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IVERSITY  OF 
rCQD.T'-T  CAROLINA 

School  of  Library 
Science 


p. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


00022226048 


Wheel  about,  and  march  back  to  the  house,  or  I  shall  shoot, "  said  the  Tory. 
Page  153. 


Sarah  Dillard's  Ride. 


A  Story  of  the  Carolinas  in  1780. 


By  JAMES  OTIS. 


With  Six  Pag©  Illustrations  by  J.  Watson  Davis. 


A.  L.  BURT  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS, 
52-58  Duaot  Steeet,  New  York. 


Copyright,  1898,  by  A.  L.  Bubt. 

Copyright,  1899,  by  A.  L.  Burt. 

SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 
By  James  Otis. 


NOTE. 

"They  were  men  admirably  fitted  by  their 
daily  pursuits  for  the  privations  they  were 
called  upon  to  endure.  They  had  neither  tents, 
baggage,  bread,  nor  salt,  and  no  commissary 
department  to  furnish  regular  supplies.  Pota- 
toes, pumpkins,  roasted  corn,  and  occasionally  a 
bit  of  venison  supplied  by  their  own  rifles,  com- 
posed their  daily  food.  Such  were  the  men 
who  were  gathering  among  the  mountains  and 
valleys  of  the  Upper  Carolinas  to  beat  back  the 
invaders." — Lossing^s  u  Field-Book  of  the  Revo- 
lictwn" 


636718 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://archive.org/details/sarahdillardsridotis 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.  Fa<m 

A  Britisher's  Threat 1 

CHAPTER  II. 
The  Tory's  Purpose 26 

CHAPTER  III. 
A  Desperate  Venture 50 

CHAPTER  IV. 
The  Struggle 74 

CHAPTER  V. 
Sarah  Dillard..., 99 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Greene's  Spring 123 

CHAPTER  VII. 
At  Watuga. 149 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
The  Prisoner. 174 

CHAPTER  IX. 
King's  Mountain 200 


Tl  CONTENTS. 

Cn  A  JrTER  X.  page 

A  Hot  Chase 214 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Success 238 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTEATIONS. 


PAGE 

"You  are  grown  timorous  indeed,  Evan,  if  you  can  imagine 
that  noise  to  be  caused  by  the  Redcoats." 7 

"  Take  your  hands  off !  I  am  not  to  be  treated  as  a  prisoner," 

Ephraim  cried 32 

Nathan  did  as  his  comrade  suggested,  and  save  for  a  slight 
creaking  now  and  then,  the  work  was  carried  on 91 

The  colt  darted  forward  at  full  speed  with  Mrs.  Dillard 113 

"Wheel  about,  and  march  back  to  the  house,  or   I  shall 
shoot,"  said  the  Tory 153 

Nathan  and  Evan  crept  within  three  feet  of  the  Tory 193 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE 


CHAPTER  L 


a  beitishee's  theeat. 


In  the  year  1780  there  was  in  North  Carolina, 
west  of  Broad  River,  and  near  the  site  of  what 
is  now  known  as  Rutherfordton,  a  settlement 
called  Gilbert  Town. 

Within  five  or  six  miles  of  this  village  on  a 
certain  September  day  in  the  year  above  men- 
tioned, two  lads,  equipped  for  a  hunting  trip, 
had  halted  in  the  woods. 

One  was  Nathan  Shelby,  a  boy  sixteen  years 
of  age,  and  nephew  of  that  Isaac  Shelby  whose 
name  is  so  prominent  in  the  early  history  of 
North  Carolina;  the  other,  Evan  McDowells, 
son  of  Colonel  Charles  McDowells,  was  one 
year  younger  than  Nathan. 


H>  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

But  for  the  fact  that  these  two  lads  were  sorely 
needed  at  their  homes,  both  would  have  been 
enrolled  either  among  the  American  forces,  or 
with  those  hardy  pioneers  who  were  then  known 
as  Mountain  Men,  for  the  time  was  come  when 
the  struggling  colonists  required  every  arm  that 
could  raise  a  musket. 

On  the  previous  month  the  American  forces 
under  General  Gates  had  been  defeated  by 
Cornwallis  at  Camden.  Tarleton  had  dispersed 
Sumter's  forces  at  Rocky  Mount,  and  the  south- 
ern colonists  appeared  to  have  been  entirely 
subdued  by  the  royal  troops. 

General  Cornwallis,  now  at  Camden,  was 
bending  his  efforts  to  establish  the  king's  gov- 
ernment in  South  Carolina,  and  in  punishing 
those  "rebels"  who,  despite  their  many  reverses,  _ 
were  yet  among  the  mountains  awaiting  a  favor- 
able opportunity  to  strike  another  blow  in 
behalf  of  freedom. 

It   was  at  this  time,  and  especially  in  the 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  3 

Carol  inas,  as  if  the  attempt  to  free  the  colonists 
from  the  oppressive  yoke  of  the  British  had 
utterly  failed,  and  even  the  most  sanguine 
despaired  of  being  able  to  accomplish  anything 
in  that  section  until  General  Washington  should 
lend  them  some  assistance. 

Nathan  and  Evan,  lads  though  they  were, 
understood  full  well  the  situation  of  affairs,  and 
as  they  sat  upon  the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree, 
resting  from  the  labor  of  seeking  food — for  this 
hunting  trip  had  been  made  for  serious  pur- 
poses, rather  than  in  pursuit  of  sport — the  two 
spoke  concerning  the  reverses  which  had  been 
visited  upon  the  patriots. 

"  It  is  as  if  we  were  already  whipped  into 
submission,"  Evan  said  sadly,  "  for  how  is  it 
possible  our  people  shall  gather  in  such  force 
as  to  be  able  to  offer  successful  resistance  V 

"  That  seems  indeed  true,"  Nathan  replied, 
"and  yet  will  Colonel  William  Campbell  of 
Virginia   remain   idle?      Do   you   believe   my 


4  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

uncle,  Colonel  Shelby,  or  Lieutenant-Colonel 
John  Sevier,  have  laid  down  their  arms  ?  Or 
even  if  those  three  are  subdued,  is  it  likely, 
think  you,  that  your  father  will  rest  content 
while  the  king's  forces  overrun  the  country  at 
their  pleasure  ?" 

"  There  are  matters  which  cannot  be  mended, 
however  brave  men  may  be,  and  it  seems  to  me 
that  now  has  come  the  time  when  we  must  say 
that  the  struggle  for  liberty  can  no  longer  be 
continued." 

"  If  all  who  have  for  four  years  opposed  the 
king's  will  were  as  faint-hearted  as  you,  Evan, 
then  indeed  had  the  rebellion  been  crushed  be- 
fore it  was  well  begun." 

"  But  tell  me,  Nathan,  how  may  the  Ameri- 
cans, with  but  few  men,  scanty  equipments,  and 
little  or  no  money,  even  attempt  to  hold  their 
own  against  the  royal  forces,  which  outnumber 
us  mayhap  ten  to  one?" 

"  That  I  cannot  do,  and  perchance  even  your 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  5 

father  might  find  it  difficult  to  make  reply  to 
such  question,  but  this  much  I  believe  to  be  a 
certainty.     The  desire  for  freedom  has  not  been 
crushed  out  from  the  hearts  of  the  American 
people,  and  while  it  remains  strong  as  at  present, 
some  way  will  be  found  whereby  we  shall  have 
at  least  the  semblance  of  an  army  again." 
"  I  would  I  could  believe  you." 
"  Is  your  mother  thus  despondent  ?" 
"  I  cannot  say,  Nathan.     It  is  now  near  two 
weeks,  as  you  know,  since  I  have  seen  her." 

"But  think  you  she  has  lost  all  hope  ?  She, 
who  has  dared  to  burn  charcoal  in  the  fireplace 
of  her  own  home,  while  the  Britishers  were 
about,  in  order  to  carry  it  to  your  father,  who 
was  making  gunpowder  in  a  cave  among  the 
mountains." 

"  My  mother  is  brave,  which  is  more,  may- 
hap, than  can  be  said  for  her  son." 

"  Ay ;  had  she  not  been,  when  your  father's 
cattle  were  driven  off  by  the  British  skirmishers, 


6  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

she  had  hardly  called  the  neighbors  together, 
and  by  such  show  of  strength  recovered  the 
property.  With  women  like  your  mother,  and 
men  such  as  your  father  and  my  Uncle  Isaac,  I 
tell  you,  Evan,  the  cause  of  liberty  is  not  lost." 

"  But  it  would  seem  as  if  we  were  further 
from  our  purpose  now  than  four  years  ago,  when 
a  declaration  of  our  independence  was  read 
throughout  the  colonies.  Then  we  had  more 
money,  and  it  was  not  as  difficult  to  find  re- 
cruits. Now  ten  dollars  in  paper  is  hardly 
worth  two  cents — in  fact,  I  am  told  that  even 
the  troops  consider  it  too  cumbersome  for  its 
value  to  repay  them  for  carrying  it  around." 

"That  is  the  case  only  with  the  paper 
money." 

"  Ay,  Nathan ;  and  as  for  gold  and  silver,  we 
still  trust  to  that  on  which  is  stamped  the  king's 
image.  But  it  is  not  for  you  and  I  to  talk  of 
political  matters,  when  both  are  really  in  the 
same  way  of  thinking ;  the  only  difference  be- 


You  are  grown  timorous  indeed,  Evan,  if  you  can  imagine  that  noise  to  be 
caused  by  the  Redcoats.11— Page  7. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  7 

tween  us  is  that  I,  who  was  never  so  courageous 
as  you,  have  grown  faint-hearted." 

Evan  ceased  speaking  very  suddenly,  for  at 
that  instant  both  the  lads  heard  the  hoof -beats 
of  horses  in  the  distance,  and  started  up  in  what 
was  very  like  alarm  as  they  listened,  while  ex- 
changing inquiring  glances. 

"  It  must  be  that  the  British  are  coming  this 
way,"  Evan  said,  turning  as  if  to  flee ;  but  his 
companion  clutched  him  by  the  arm,  saying  with 
a  laugh : 

"  You  are  grown  timorous  indeed,  Evan,  if 
you  can  imagine  that  noise  to  be  caused  by  the 
redcoats.  Surely  there  are  none  nearabout 
here,  and  even  though  there  were,  it  is  not  likely 
they  would  attempt  to  make  their  way  through 
this  wood." 

Evan  ceased  his  efforts  to  flee,  but  turned  as 
if  unwilling,  with  a  forced  smile  upon  his  face. 

"  Of  course  it  must  be  as  you  say,  Nathan, 
for  the  Britishers  would  have  no  business  here; 


S  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

yet  it  is  even  true  they  may  be  nearabout,  for 
we  have  heard  that  General  Cornwallis  was 
bent  on  sending  a  force  into  this  section,  and  he 
is  nofc  wise  who  refuses  to  take  heed  of  any 
warning  in  these  times." 

"  You  need  not  set  me  down  as  one  who  makes 
light  of  the  information  which  has  been  brought 
by  those  whom  we  could  trust ;  but  I  refuse  to 
be  alarmed  without  cause,  and  the  idea  that  the 
Britishers  would  ride  into  this  thicket  is — 
They  are  redcoats  !  It  is  /  who  am  playing  the 
fool  by  setting  myself  up  as  an  authority  on 
those  matters  of  which  I  know  nothing  !" 

The  foremost  of  a  mounted  band  had  come 
into  view,  causing  this  sudden  change  in 
Nathan's  speech,  and  the  two  boys  gazed  in 
alarm  at  the  rapidly  advancing  horsemen,  for 
now  was  it  too  late  to  make  any  attempt  at 
flight.  Both  knew,  from  reports  which  had 
been  spread  through  the  country,  of  outrages 
committed  among  even  those  who  were  not  in 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDEi  9 

arms,  what  it  might  mean  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  who  were  bent  on  subjugating 
the  country  by  any  means,  however  harsh,  and 
they  had  good  reason  to  expect  brutal  treatment 
once  they  were  caught  in  the  clutches  of  the 
king's  troops. 

Involuntarily  the  lads  clasped  hands.  Al- 
though armed,  there  was  no  thought  in  the 
mind  of  either  that  resistance  might  be  offered, 
and  indeed  it  would  have  been  in  the  highest 
degree  foolhardy  to  have  done  other  than  they 
did  at  this  moment — quietly  await  that  foe 
from  which  escape  was  impossible. 

Where  they  stood  the  forest  was  open  and 
free  from  underbrush,  therefore  while  the  troop- 
ers were  yet  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away  they  were 
in  full  view,  their  red  coats  showing  in  vivid 
contrast  among  the  green  leaves,  and  before  the 
advance  squad  were  yet  arrived  at  where  the 
boys  were  standing,  the  entire  company  could 
be  seen. 


10  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

Fully  two  hundred  uien,  a  goodly  portion  of 
whom  were  Tories,  clad  in  the  ordinary  garb  of 
the  country,  and  the  remainder  wearing  the 
king's  uniform,  made  up  the  party. 

Among  the  foremost  of  the  riders  was  one 
clad  in  the  habiliments  of  a  major,  and  from 
what  had  been  told  by  those  who  brought  the 
information  of  General  Cornwallis'  movements, 
the  boys  knew  at  once  that  this  must  be  Patrick 
Ferguson  of  the  Seventy-first  Royal  Regiment. 

It  was  this  officer  who  accosted  the  frightened 
lads,  by  asking  in  a  loud  voice  which  had  in  it 
much  of  menace : 

"What  are  you  two  doing  here  armed? 
Rebel  spawn  no  doubt,  who  lie  in  wait  to  do 
mischief  when  it  may  be  accomplished  without 
danger  to  yourselves." 

"  We  are  out  hunting,  and  if  it  please  you, 
sir,  in  order  to  get  meat  for  the  family,"  Nathan 
replied,  speaking  stoutly,  although  he  was  in- 
wardly quaking  with  fear. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  11 

"  Tell  me  no  lies  or  it  shall  go  the  worse  with 
you.  How  long  has  it  been  that  you  of  the 
Carolinas  must  search  for  food  in  the  forests  ?" 

"Since  his  majesty's  troops  overrode  the 
colony,  quartering  themselves  upon  those  whose 
store  of  provisions  was  already  scanty." 

"  Be  careful  how  you  speak !  I  am  not  in  a 
mood  to  hear  insolence  from  those  who  rebel 
against  their  lawful  king,"  and  the  major  made 
a  threatening  gesture,  bending  from  his  horse  as 
if  he  would  strike  the  boys. 

Evan  stepped  back  a  pace  in  fear;  but 
Nathan  boldly  held  his  ground  as  he  asked 
bravely : 

"Think  you,  sir,  that  two  lads  like  us  may 
do  the  king  harm  V 

Major  Ferguson's  face  reddened  with  rage, 
and  motioning  for  one  of  the  troopers  to  ad- 
vance, he  said : 

"  Disarm  and  bind  these  insolent  cubs  who 
dare  bandy  words  with  their  betters.     They 


12  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

shall  talk  in  a  different  strain  before  I  am  done 
with  them." 

"  Would  you  make  prisoners  of  us  who  are 
not  soldiers  ?"  Nathan  asked  even  as  the  man 
seized  him  by  the  arm.  "  Would  you  carry 
away  from  their  homes  two  boys  upon  whom  a 
family  is  depending  for  food  ?" 

"  Where  are  your  fathers  ?"  Major  Ferguson 
asked  sharply. 

"  I  have  none,"  Nathan  replied.  "  My  mother 
is  a  widow." 

"  And  yours  ?"  he  continued,  turning  toward 
Evan. 

"  Colonel  Charles  McDowells." 

"As  rank  a  rebel  as  lives  in  the  Carolinas. 
See  that  you  bind  them  well,  my  man,  for  I 
doubt  not  these  two,  innocent  as  they  would 
appear,  have  already  had  their  fingers  in  the 
rebel  broth." 

"  Since  you  are  bent  on  making  us  prisoners, 
sir,  it  is  useless  to  deny  that  we  have  done  aught 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  13 

against  the  king,  save  it  be  a  crime  to  perform 
our  share  in  feeding  those  dependent  upon  us." 

"If  those  who  make  up  the  ragamuffin  follow- 
ing of  Mister  Washington  could  not  depend  on 
such  as  you  to  provide  for  the  women  and 
children,  they  might  be  forced  to  remain  at 
home  where  they  belong,  instead  of  hatching 
treason,  and  I  could  then,  perhaps,  clear  this 
portion  of  the  colonies  of  every  male  inhabitant 
who  is  old  enough  to  be  of  service  in  any  ca- 
pacity. Before  I  have  performed  my  mission 
you  of  the  Carolinas  shall  understand  what  re- 
bellion means,  for  it  is  my  purpose  to  teach  you 
a  lesson." 

Having  said  this  the  valiant  major  turned  his 
horse  that  he  might  speak  with  some  of  his  fol- 
lowers, and  the  trooper  who  was  bidden  to  dis- 
arm and  bind  the  lads  had  well-nigh  finished 
with  the  task. 

Nathan  and  Evan  were  rudely  searched,  and 
with  such  effect  that  even  their  spare  flints  were 


14  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

taken  from  them.  Their  hands  were  bound 
behind  their  backs  securely  with  leathern 
straps ;  the  fowling  pieces  and  the  scanty  store 
of  ammunition  were  taken  charge  of  by  one  of 
the  troopers,  and  he  who  had  been  detailed  to 
seize  them  stood  as  if  awaiting  orders  of  his 
commander. 

"Keep  up  a  brave  heart,  Evan,"  Nathan 
whispered  courageously.  "  Do  not  give  yonder 
redcoated  brute  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  that 
we  are  afraid." 

"  We  are  likely  to  be  carried  very  far  from 
home,  Nathan,  and  it  may  be  that  much  suffer- 
ing is  in  store  for  us." 

"  Of  that  there  can  be  little  doubt ;  but  no 
good  will  come  to  us  by  showing  the  white 
feather,  for  of  how  much  weight,  think  you, 
tears  and  prayers  be  upon  such  as  our  captor. 
It  would  please  him  were  we  to  give  free  rein 
to  our  sorrow,  and  I  am  not  minded  he  shall 
have  such  gratification  from  me." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  15 

"But  surely  there  is  no  reason  why  you 
should  anger  him  by  bold  speaking — that  will 
not  avail  us." 

"No  more  than  it  would  if  we  pleaded  for 
mercy,  and  there  is  much  satisfaction  to  be 
gained  by  depriving  him  of  the  pleasure  that 
would  come  with  the  sight  of  our  tears.  Hold 
firm,  Evan  McDowells,  as  your  father  and  your 
mother  would  do  were  they  in  like  situation, 
and  mayhap  the  time  will  come  wThen  this  Major 
Ferguson's  grasp  will  be  so  far  lessened  that  we 
shall  see  a  chance  of  slipping  through  his 
fingers." 

"  I  have  little  hope  of  any  such  good  fortune," 
Evan  replied,  with  a  long-drawn  sigh,  and  then 
both  the  boys  fell  silent. 

The  horsemen  had  dismounted,  and  it  was 
evident  that  a  prolonged  halt  would  be  made. 

The  major  gave  no  farther  orders  concerning 
his  prisoners,  and  the  trooper  stood  guard  over 
them  four  or  five  paces  away,  giving  no  appar« 


16  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

ent  heed  to  the  conversation  in  which  they  had 
been  indulging. 

During  half  an  hour  the  situation  remained 
unchanged,  and  then  came  into  view  two  hun- 
dred or  more  men  on  foot,  the  greater  number 
wearing  scarlet  uniforms,  the  remainder  being 
evidently  Tories. 

At  first  glance  the  boys  believed  this  last 
body  of  Britishers  had  come  by  accident  upon 
the  halting-place;  but  as  the  men  exchanged 
salutations  with  the  members  of  the  advance 
party,  it  could  be  seen  that  they  all  formed  one 
company  under  the  leadership  of  Major  Fer- 
guson, and  had  been  temporarily  separated 
because  of  the  more  rapid  traveling  of  the 
horsemen. 

When  another  half -hour  had  been  spent  here 
the  order  was  given  to  resume  the  march,  and 
an  officer  in  the  uniform  of  a  captain  brought 
word  from  the  major  to  the  man  who  was 
guarding  the  boys,  that  he  would  be  relieved 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  17 

from  duty,  one  of  the  foot-soldiers  taking  his 
place. 

When  the  change  of  guards  had  been  effected, 
Nathan  and  Evan  were  ordered  into  line 
midway  of  the  column,  and  thus  hemmed  in  on 
every  side  they  were  forced  to  advance,  traveling 
with  difficulty,  and  even  pain,  because  their 
arms  were  fettered. 

As  a  rule,  the  men  gave  very  little  attention 
to  these  young  prisoners,  save  when  one  or  the 
other  of  the  boys  fell  slightly  in  the  rear,  and 
then  a  blow  from  the  butt  of  a  musket  would 
warn  him  that  he  must  keep  pace  with  the 
remainder  of  the  troop  or  suffer  because  of  ina- 
bility to  do  so. 

Now  that  the  lads  were  completely  surrounded 
by  foes,  no  conversation  of  a  private  nature  was 
possible,  and  in  silence  they  marched  on,  with 
ample  food  for  unpleasant  thoughts. 

The  only  question  in  the  minds  of  both  was 
as  to  the  destination  of  this  body  of  Britishers, 


18  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

for  there  seemed  little  reason  why  so  many  men 
should  penetrate  this  mountainous  portion  of 
the  Carolinas,  where  there  was  no  important 
stronghold  to  be  captured. 

Until  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  troop 
advanced  steadily,  and  then  the  foot-soldiers 
were  arrived  at  a  small  valley  where  the  horse- 
men had  already  apparently  halted  for  the  night. 

Fires  were  kindled  here  and  there ;  some  of 
the  soldiers  were  engaged  in  cooking,  others  in 
caring  for  the  horses,  and  all  so  intent  upon 
making  themselves  comfortable  that  it  was  as 
if  the  prisoners  had  been  forgotten  by  everyone 
save  him  who  was  charged  with  their  custody. 

When  an  hour  had  passed  the  lads  were  still 
standing  where  they  had  been  halted,  and 
Nathan  said  with  a  mirthless  laugh : 

"  It  looks  as  though  we  might  be  forced  to 
keep  our  feet  until  morning,  for  so  nearly  as  I 
can  make  out  food  has  been  served  to  all  save 
ourselves  and  our  guard." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  19 

"I  am  counting  on  being  relieved  before 
many  more  moments  pass,"  the  soldier  said 
petulantly,  for  Nathan  had  spoken  so  loudly 
that  he  could  not  fail  to  hear  the  remark. 

"  And  are  we  to  be  starved  because  we 
neither  wear  red  coats  nor  are  willing  to  march 
shoulder  to  shoulder  with  them  T 

"  It  matters  not  to  me  what  disposition  may 
be  made  of  you,  so  that  I  am  given  an  oppor- 
tunity of  getting  my  rations,"  the  soldier  said, 
and  a  moment  later  one  of  his  comrades  came 
up,  musket  in  hand,  to  relieve  bim. 

To  this  last  guard  Nathan  repeated  his  ques- 
tion as  to  the  probability  of  their  being  pro- 
vided with  supper,  and  the  soldier  replied  care- 
lessly : 

"  I  am  not  the  quartermaster  of  this  detach- 
ment, and  if  I  was  I  question  whether  much 
time  would  be  spent  over  such  as  you." 

Then  he  fell  to  pacing  to  and  fro,  watching 
his  comrades  as  they  lounged  around  the  camp- 


20  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

fire  ;  but  all  the  while  keeping  close  guard  over 
the  two  lads,  who  were  so  weary  from  the  hunt- 
ing of  the  forenoon  and  the  march  of  the  after- 
noon that  it  is  questionable  whether  they  could 
have  fled  even  if  the  opportunity  presented 
itself. 

"  I  had  expected  to  be  ill-treated,"  Nathan 
said  with  an  assumption  of  carelessness  to  his 
comrade ;  "  but  did  not  count  on  being  starved. 
It  is  a  pity,  since  we  were  to  be  made  prisoners, 
that  this  gallant  Major  Ferguson  could  not  have 
come  up  after  we  had  partaken  of  dinner,  for  it 
seems  as  if  many  hours  had  passed  since  we  ate 
breakfast." 

Evan  was  on  the  point  of  making  some  reply 
to  this  mournful  remark  when  from  the  distance 
he  observed  a  lad,  who,  coming  drectly  across 
the  valley,  was  halted  by  the  sentinels  stationed 
around  the  encampment. 

"  Look  there  !"  he  said,  in  a  low  tone  of  ex- 
citement.    If  I  mistake  not,  it  is  Ephraim  Sow- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  21 

ers,  and  what  may  he  be  doing  here  among  the 
redcoats  ?" 

"It  is  as  I  have  always  believed,"  Nathan 
cried,  forgetting  that  the  man  who  acted  as  their 
guard  could  hear  every  word  he  spoke.  (i  Eph- 
raim  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  a  Tory,  and 
I  venture  to  say  he  comes  now  to  give  informa- 
tion concerning  our  friends." 

It  is  not  the  first  time  he  has  met  this  detach- 
ment of  men,"  Evan  added,  "  See !  He  speaks 
now  with  one  of  the  soldiers  as  to  an  old 
acquaintance." 

"  Who  may  say  for  how  long  he  has  acted 
the  spy  ?  When  it  was  told  on  the  day  before 
yesterday  that  he  had  gold  in  his  possession,  I 
would  not  believe  it;  but  now  it  is  plain  to  be 
seen  that  there  was  truth  in  the  statement,  and 
we  can  say  how  he  earned  it." 

This  Ephraim  Sowers  was  the  son  of  one  who 
claimed  to  be  "a  man  of  peace ;"  one  who  by 
many  a  loud  word  had  declared  that  he  believed 


22  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

it  a  sin  to  resort  to  arms,  whatever  the  provo- 
cation, and,  living  a  near  neighbor  to  the  Mc- 
Dowells, was  in  a  position,  if  it  so  pleased  him, 
to  give  much  of  valuable  information  to  the 
enemy.  Until  this  moment,  however,  there 
had  been  no  suspicion  that  he  might  be  tempted 
to  play  the  part  of  spy,  and  his  son's  arrival  at 
this  encampment  told  the  boys  as  plainly  as 
words  could  have  done  how  it  was  General 
Cornwallis  had  reliable  knowledge  concerning 
that  portion  of  the  colony,  for  he  had  given 
good  proof  that  he  knew  who  among  the  in- 
habitants favored  the  king  or  the  "  rebels." 

Ephraim  advanced  leisurely,  and  with  the 
air  of  one  who  believes  he  is  expected,  until  his 
eyes  rested  upon  the  prisoners ;  then  he  started 
suddenly,  a  flush  as  of  shame  came  over  his 
face  for  the  instant,  and  straightening  himself 
defiantly,  he  walked  up  with  a  vindictive  smile 
until  he  was  within  half  a  dozen  paces  of  the 
two  lads. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  23 

"  I  had  thought  that  the  sight  of  a  redcoat 
was  so  displeasing  that  it  went  against  your 
stomachs,"  he  said  tauntingly,  "  and  yet  I  find 
you  hobnobbing  with  Major  Ferguson's  men." 

"It  seems  that  you  know  who  commands 
this  detachment,"  Evan  said  sternly,  forgetting 
all  his  fears  now  in  the  anger  he  felt  that  this 
lad  whom  he  had  once  trusted  should  have  been 
all  the  while  a  Tory. 

"  I'll  warrant  you  two  know  as  much." 

"  Ay ;  but  we  are  here  as  prisoners,  and  you 
have  come  as  a  visitor — one  who  has  seen  these 
men  before,  to  judge  from  the  manner  in  which 
you  accosted  them." 

"  Well,  what  does  that  prove  ?"  Ephraim 
asked,  an  evil  look  coming  into  his  eyes. 

"  It  proves  you  to  be  a  spy,  and  when  we 
shall  make  known  what  has  been  seen  this 
night,  I  am  thinking  neither  you  nor  your  peace- 
loving  father  will  find  the  Carolinas  a  pleasant 
abiding  place." 


24  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"And  I  am  thinking  that  when  such  rebels 
as  you  have  the  chance  to  tell  what  has  been 
seen,  the  rebellion  will  have  been  crushed  out, 
for  now  that  you  are  here,  if  my  words  go  for 
anything,  you  will  not  soon  be  set  at  liberty." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  25 


CHAPTER  II. 


the  toey's  purpose. 


Until  the  moment  when  Ephraim  Sowers 
had  revealed  his  true  self  by  coming  into  the 
British  camp  as  a  spy,  neither  Nathan  nor  Evan 
had  felt  any  grave  anxiety  regarding  the  future. 

They  knew  full  well  that  the  redcoats  were 
not  given  to  being  friendly  in  their  intercourse 
with  the  so-called  rebels,  and  that  such  persons 
as  they  took  were  treated  with  roughness,  if 
not  absolute  harshness. 

Such  treatment  as  had  previously  been  dealt 
out  to  captured  Americans  the  boys  could  en- 
dure without  a  murmur,  therefore  there  was  no 
painful  anxiety  regarding  the  outcome  of  the 
matter ;  but  when  Ephraim  Sowers  appeared, 
the  situation  of  affairs  seemed  to  be  decidedly 
changed. 


26  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

Now  that  lie  had  been  recognized  by  these 
two,  the  news  that  he  was  a  Tory  and  in  league 
with  the  Britishers  would  be  carried  to  all  that 
country  roundabout  where  he  lived,  whenever 
Nathan  and  Evan  were  set  free. 

It  was  only  reasonable  to  suppose  he  had 
some  slight  degree  of  influence  in  the  camp, 
having  served  Major  Ferguson  as  a  spy,  and 
these  two  lads  might  safely  count  on  his  doing 
whatsoever  was  in  his  powder  to  have  them  held 
prisoners,  even  if  worse  did  not  follow,  and  it 
was  evident  Nathan  feared  this  last  possibility, 
for  he  said  in  a  low  tone  to  his  comrade,  when 
the  young  Tory  had  walked  away  with  a  swag- 
ger in  the  direction  of  Major  Ferguson's  tent : 

"  No  good  will  come  to  us  through  having 
seen  that  villain." 

"On  such  a  point  there  need  be  little  discus- 
sion, for  I  am  of  the  same  mind,  and  it  will  be 
exceedingly  fortunate  if  he  leaves  this  encamp- 
ment without   having  worked   us  some  harm, 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  27 

although  I  cannot  say  in  what  way  it  might  be 
done." 

"  For  his  own  safety,  should  he  ever  count  on 
returning  home,  we  must  be  silenced,  Evan,  and 
I  am  thinking  Ephraim  Sowers  knows  in  this 
encampment  enough  of  his  own  kidney  who 
would  aid  him  in  thus  doing." 

"  Do  you  mean  that  he  would  dare  to  kill 
us  V  and  now  Evan  looked  up  in  alarm. 

"  He  would  dare  do  anything  when  there  was 
no  danger  of  his  receiving  bodily  injury.  But 
don't  let  me  play  upon  your  fears,  for  there  is 
no  reason  why  we  should  look  abroad  for 
trouble  when  we  have  sufficient  of  it  close 
around  us.  We  will  trust  to  the  chances  that 
that  young  Tory  is  powerless,  or  too  much  occu- 
pied just  at  present,  to  give  evil  heed  to  us." 

"The  last  is  what  we  should  not  take  into 
consideration,  for  however  actively  engaged  he 
may  be  it  is  necessary  for  his  own  safety,  should 


28  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

he  ever  return  among  his  neighbors,  to  prevent 
us  from  telling  what  we  have  just  learned." 

"  If  you  refuse  such  comfort  as  I  try  to  give, 
then  we  will  put  it  that  he  will  be  content  so 
long  as  we  are  held  piisoners  here,  and  who 
shall  say  that  we  may  not  soon  find  an  oppor- 
tunity for  escape  ?  Captives  while  on  the  march 
are  not  like  to  be  kept  under  overly  strict 
guard." 

"  "Where  did  the  Tory  go  ?  I  was  so  bewil- 
dered both  by  seeing  him  here  and  realizing 
what  his  coming  might  mean,  as  to  be  almost 
in  a  daze  while  he  was  making  his  threats." 

"  I  fancied  I  saw  some  one  nearabout  Major 
Ferguson's  tent  beckoning  for  the  scoundrel, 
and  he  hurried  away  as  if  bent  on  visiting  the 
commander.  I  venture  to  predict  we  shall  see 
him  again  before  he  leaves  this  locality." 

Then  the  lads  fell  to  speculating  as  to  how 
long  young  Sowers  had  been  engaged  as  a  Brit- 
ish spy ;    what  might  be  the  result  of  Major 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  29 

Ferguson's  march  through  the  mountains,  and 
in  other  ways  discussing  the  situation  as  if  they 
were  to  be  spectators  rather  than  participants  in 
whatever  might  occur. 

When  half  an  hour  had  passed,  much  to 
their  surprise,  for  the  boys  had  come  to  believe 
they  would  not  be  given  food  that  night,  rations 
were  served  out  to  them,  and  they  were  partak- 
ing of  the  limited  meal  with  such  keenness  of 
appetite  and  eagerness  as  to  be  unaware  of 
Ephraim  Sowers'  return  until  he  stood  close 
beside  them. 

"  Well,  have  you  finished  giving  Major  Fer- 
guson all  the  information  he  desired  V  Nathan 
asked  curtly,  only  glancing  toward  the  new- 
comer sufficiently  to  discover  his  identity. 

"  I  may  have  told  him  some  things  that 
wouldn't  be  pleasant  for  you  to  hear,"  the  Tory 
replied  surlily. 

"  Of  that  I  have  no  question,  for  it  is  easy  to 
guess  that  you   have   done   all   the  injury    to 


30  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

your   neighbors   of    which    your    tongue    was 
capable." 

"I  have  given  the  major  such  a  good  account 
of  you  two  that  he  won't  be  likely  to  part  com- 
pany with  you  for  some  time  to  come." 

"  We  are  not  surprised,  because  it  was  only 
what  might  have  been  expected  after  we  found 
you  were  playing  the  part  of  spy,"  Evan  said, 
determined  to  so  far  hide  his  fears  that  this 
vicious  enemy  should  not  suspect  what  was  in 
his  heart. 

"  I  am  ready  to  do  whatsoever  I  can  against 
the  enemies  of  the  king,"  Evan  replied,  assum- 
ing what  he  intended  should  be  a  dignified 
attitude. 

"  His  majesty  must  rest  content  now,  if  he 
knows  that  you  stand  ready  to  aid  his  officers 
by  playing  the  spy  upon  those  who  have  be- 
friended you  when  you  were  in  need." 

Nathan  spoke  distinctly  and  deliberately,  in 
a  tone  so  loud  that  all  might  hear,  and  Eph- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  31 

raim's  face  crimsoned  with  mingled  rage  and 
shame,  for  he  knew  full  well  that  but  for  the 
aid  afforded  him  by  Nathan's  uncle  during  the 
previous  winter  his  sufferings  might  have  been 
great  indeed. 

"  I  shall  do  all  in  my  power  to  overthrow  the 
wicked  plans  of  the  rebels,  and  more  particu- 
larly will  I  exert  myself  against  the  Mountain 
Men,"  he  cried,  in  a  fury  of  passion,  whereat 
Evan  added  quietly : 

"We  can  well  fancy  that,  for  Master  Isaac 
Shelby  is  a  Mountain  Man,  and  but  for  him 
you  would  have  starved.  Let  me  see :  vipers 
have  been  supposed  to  be  the  only  living  things 
that  would  sting  the  hand  which  feeds  them." 

"I  shall  sting  you  even  worse  than  I  have 
already  done!"  Ephraim  cried,  shaking  his 
clinched  hand  in  impotent  rage,  and  so  threat- 
ening was  his  attitude  that  the  soldier  on  guard 
seized  him,  as  if  fearing  the  boy  would  strike 
the  helpless  prisoners. 


32  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"Take  your  hands  off !"  Ephraim  cried,  liter- 
ally trembling  with  passion.  "  I  am  not  to  be 
treated  as  a  prisoner  in  this  camp  after  all  I 
have  done." 

"Very  true,"  the  soldier  replied  quietly. 
"  You  shall  not  be  deprived  of  your  liberty  save 
when  it  becomes  necessary  to  prevent  you  from 
striking  helpless  captives,  and  that  I  would  not 
allow  my  own  comrade  to  do." 

"  I  had  no  idea  of  touching  them." 

"  Your  actions  told  a  different  story,  and  even 
though  these  two  lads  be  rebels,  they  shall  be 
treated  decently  while  I  am  on  guard  over 
them." 

"I  will  see  them  hanged,  and  that  before 
long !"  Ephraim  screamed. 

The  soldier  released  his  hold  of  the  infuriated 
Tory,  but  took  the  precaution  of  stepping  di- 
rectly in  front  of  Nathan  and  Evan,  as  if  to 
afford  protection;  while  Ephraim,  standing  a 
few  paces  away,  poured  out  a  flood  of  invec- 


"Take  your  hands  off !  I  am  not  to  be  treated  as  a  prisoner, r  Ephraim 
cried. — Page  32. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  33 

tive,  during  the  course  of  which  much  infor- 
mation was  gained  by  those  whom  he  menaced. 

"I  didn't  come  to  this  place  empty-handed  !" 
he  cried,  "nor  will  my  visit  be  of  little  concern 
to  the  rebels  !  I  brought  Major  Ferguson  in- 
formation that  Clarke  and  bis  men  are  in  camp 
at  Greene's  Spring,  and  to  kill  and  capture 
them,  all  will  be  a  simple  matter  for  this  troop." 

"  You  have  dared  bring  the  enemy  down  upon 
your  mother's  own  cousin,"  Evan  cried  in  aston- 
ishment. 

"  He  is  no  cousin  of  mine  once  he  raises  his 
hand  against  the  king." 

"Til  venture  to  say  there  will  be  little  desire 
on  his  part  to  claim  relationship  after  he  knows 
the  part  you  have  been  playing,"  Nathan  replied 
with  a  laugh,  which  yet  further  increased  the 
Tory's  wrath.  "  But  have  a  care,  Ephraim 
Sowers.  The  men  in  this  colony  are  not  easily 
whipped  into  submission,  nor  do  they  readily 
forget  an  enemy,  and  if  it  should  so  chance,  as 


34  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

it  has  many  times  since  '76,  that  the  king's 
forces  were  driven  out  of  the  Carolinas,  your 
life  would  not  be  an  enviable  one." 

"  If  anything  of  that  kind  should  happen,  and 
I  am  ready  to  wager  all  I  possess  it  never  will, 
you  won't  be  here  to  know  what  comes  to  me, 
for  before  then  I  will  take  good  care  you  are 
put  where  all  rebels  should  be — under  the  sod." 

"  If  the  king's  officers  will  commit,  or  permit, 
murder  at  your  request,  then  must  they  give  up 
all  claim  to  the  name  of  soldiers,"  and  now 
Evan  was  rapidly  becoming  as  excited  as  the 
Tory.  "  It  may  be  you  can  succeed  in  having 
us  killed ;  but  the  reckoning  will  come,  Ephraim 
Sowers,  and  the  longer  it  is  deferred  the  more 
must  you  pay." 

"  I  will  settle  with  you  first  after  my  own 
fashion,  and  when  that  has  been  done  we  will 
see  what  your  ragamuffin  friends  are  able  to  do 
about  it." 

Ephraim  would  doubtless  have  indulged  in 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  35 

further  threats,  but  just  at  that  instant  a  sol- 
dier came  up  from  the  direction  of  Major  Fer- 
guson's tent,  and  the  vindictive  lad  was  sum- 
moned to  the  commander's  quarters. 

"  It  seems  that  his  footing  here  is  not  so  se- 
cure that  he  can  give  his  tongue  free  rein  many 
minutes  at  a  time,"  Nathan  said  in  a  tone  of 
relief  as  the  spy  walked  reluctantly  away,  liter- 
ally forced  so  to  do  by  the  messenger  who  had 
come  in  search  of  him. 

"  It  is  not  his  words  which  trouble  me,"  Evan 
said  mournfully.  "  Just  now  he  is  in  a  position 
to  work  us  great  injury,  and  by  yet  further 
provoking  his  wrath  we  have  made  of  him  even 
a  more  bitter  enemy  than  he  naturally  was." 

"  I  question  if  that  could  be  possible." 

11  Yet  you  cannot  dispute  his  power  to  work 
us  harm." 

"  Neither  do  I.  If  he  be  willing,  as  it  ap- 
pears he  has  shown  himself,  to  betray  the 
whereabouts  of  Colonel  Clarke's  forces,  know- 


36  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

ing  full  well  that  this  troop  can  readily  cut 
them  down,  it  is  certain  we  stand  a  good  show 
of  learning  how  great  is  his  power  for  mischief." 

"For  myself  I  have  little  concern  at  this 
moment,  because  of  the  knowledge  that  our 
friends  are  in  such  peril." 

"  And  yet  there  is  nothing  we  can  do  to  aid 
them." 

u  Unless  it  might  be  we  could  escape."  Evan 
said  suddenly,  lowering  his  voice  to  a  whisper 
lest  the  sentinel  should  overhear  his  words. 

"  It  is  only  needed  that  you  look  about  in 
order  to  see  how  much  hope  there  is  of  such  a 
possibility,"  Nathan  said  despondently.  "  Even 
though  we  were  fresh,  instead  of  so  weary  that 
I  question  if  we  could  travel  a  single  mile 
further,  and  if  we  might  so  far  elude  the  senti- 
nel as  to  gain  the  cover  of  the  thicket,  it  would 
be  impossible  to  continue  the  flight  two  miles, 
for  the  Tories  in  this  troop  know  the  country 
as  well,  if  not  better,  than  we." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  37 

u  I  was  not  so  foolish  as  to  believe  that  escape 
might  be  possible,  but  only  spoke  because  my 
thoughts  were  with  those  who  are  threatened, 
and  my  desire  is  to  aid  them." 

"  I  wish  it  might  be  done,"  Nathan  replied 
with  a  long-drawn  sigh,  and  then  the  two  fell 
silent,  each  occupied  with  his  own  gloomy 
thoughts. 

An  hour  passed,  and  nothing  more  had  been 
seen  or  heard  of  the  Tory  spy. 

Even  though  they  were  in  such  desperate 
straits,  the  boys  began  unconsciously  to  yield 
themselves  up  to  slumber,  and  after  a  time, 
bound  as  they  were,  both  were  reclining  upon 
the  green  turf  in  at  least  partial  repose. 

When  morning  came  they  ached  in  every 
limb,  with  arms  so  benumbed  that  it  was  as  if 
those  useful  members  had  been  paralyzed. 
They  had  slept  fitfully,  and  were  hardly  more 
refreshed  than  when  the  halt  was  called  after 
the  day's  march. 


38  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

Scanty  rations  were  served  out  to  thein,  and 
to  the  intense  relief  of  both  the  lads  a  captain, 
more  humane  that  his  commander,  ordered  that 
the  bonds  be  taken  from  their  arms. 

They  were  to  be  tied  together  in  such  man- 
ner that  any  attempt  at  flight  would  be  useless, 
and  yet  the  labor  of  marching  would  be  much 
lightened. 

The  prisoners  had  expected  another  visit  from 
the  Tory  before  the  troop  started ;  but  in  this 
they  were  happily  disappointed,  and  when  the 
march  was  begun  they  almost  believed  Ephraim 
Sowers  had  been  left  behind,  until  shortly 
before  noon  they  saw  him  riding  with  the 
mounted  detachment. 

"  He  is  most  likely  guiding  the  force  to 
Greene's  Spring,"  Nathan  said  bitterly.  "He 
counts  on  seeing  those  who  have  played  the 
part  of  friends  to  him  shot  down,  and  even 
though  their  blood  will  be  upon  his  head,  he  is 
well  pleased." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  39 

To  the  relief  of  both  the  boys,  their  enemy 
did  not  come  near  where  they  were,  and  it  was 
reasonable  to  suppose  Major  Ferguson,  although 
not  prone  to  be  overcaref ul  of  the  feelings  of  his 
"  rebel  "  prisoners,  had  given  Sowers  orders  to 
put  a  check  upon  his  tongue. 

When  noon  came  the  detachment  of  foot  sol- 
diers arrived  at  Martin  Drake's  plantation, 
where  the  cavalry  had  already  halted  and  were 
actively  engaged  in  wantonly  destroying 
property. 

Outbuildings  were  torn  down,  lambs,  chick- 
ens, and  geese  were  being  slaughtered  although 
they  were  not  needed  for  food,  and  the  house- 
hold furniture  which,  rude  though  it  was,  repre- 
sented all  that  went  to  make  up  the  interior  of 
the  home,  was  thrown  about  the  grounds,  or 
chopped  into  kindlings,  from  sheer  desire  to 
work  destruction. 

The  horsemen  could  not  have  been  at  this 
place  more  than  an  hour  when  the  foot  soldiers 


40  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

carne  up,  and  yet  in  that  short  time  they  had 
completely  wrecked  the  dwelling  portion  of  the 
plantation,  and  caused  such  a  scene  of  devasta- 
tion as  would  lead  one  almost  to  believe  that  a 
desperate  conflict  had  raged  at  that  point. 

"All  this  must  be  pleasing  to  Ephraim 
Sowers,"  Evan  said  bitterly,  "  for  it  was  Martin 
Drake's  wife  who  tended  him  when  he  was  ill 
with  the  fever,  and  this  may  be  a  satisfactory 
way  of  requiting  her." 

"  Have  you  seen  him  since  we  halted  ?" 

"No,  and  I  am  hoping  he  has  gone  ahead 
with  the  advanced  detachment,  for  it  seems 
certain  all  of  the  horsemen  are  not  here." 

Although  Master  Blake's  live  stock  had  been 
slaughtered  in  such  quantities  that  there  was 
treble  the  amount  of  food  the  troop  could  con- 
sume, the  boys  were  given  nothing  more  than 
cornbread  for  dinner,  and  hardly  so  much  of 
that  as  would  suffice  to  satisfy  their  hunger. 

Not    until    everything    portable   had    been 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  41 

destroyed,  the  doors  torn  from  the  house,  and 
the  windows  shattered,  was  the  march  resumed, 
and  then  the  prisoners  heard  the  Tory  who  was 
acting  as  guide  say  that  at  nightfall  they  would 
camp  on  Captain  Dillard's  plantation. 

There  was  in  this  information  a  ray  of  hope, 
so  far  as  warning  Colonel  Clarke's  men  of  what 
threatened,  for  Captain  Dillard  was  in  his  com- 
mand, and  if  information  could  be  conveyed  to 
the  mistress  of  the  house  it  was  possible  she 
might  send  a  message  ahead. 

This  much  in  substance  Nathan  had  sug- 
gested to  his  comrade ;  but  Evan  failed  to  see 
any  possibility  that  good  might  be  effected 
so  far  as  the  friends  of  the  cause  were  con- 
cerned. 

"Even  though  Mrs.  Sarah  Dillard  can  be  told 
all  that  we  know,  it  is  not  likely  she  will  have 
an  opportunity  of  sending  a  messenger  from  the 
plantation.  Ephraim  Sowers  knows  full  well 
where  the  captain  may  be  found,  and  will  warn 


42  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

Major  Ferguson  against  permitting  any  person 
to  leave  the  place." 

"  If  Dicey  Langston,  a  girl  only  sixteen  years 
old,  could  baffle  Cunningham's  band,  who  gave 
themselves  the  name  of  the  Bloody  Scouts,  as 
she  did  on  that  night  when  alone  she  crossed 
the  Ennoree,  swollen  though  the  waters  were, 
what  may  Sarah  Dillard  do  when  she  knows 
her  husband's  life  hangs  in  the  balance  ?" 

"It  is  not  a  question  of  what  she  would  do, 
but  of  what  she  can,"  Evan  replied  gloomily. 
"Thanks  to  Ephraim  Sowers,  the  commander  of 
this  force  will  know  only  too  well  how  eager 
she  must  be  to  send  news  ahead  of  his  where- 
abouts, and  will  take  precautions  accordingly." 

"  That  is  as  may  be.  We  can  at  least  hope 
for  the  best,"  Nathan  replied  bravely,  and  then 
word  was  given  for  the  troop  to  resume  the 
march. 

During  the  afternoon  the  British  soldiery 
came   upon   two   plantations,  the  buildings  of 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  43 

which  they  utterly  wrecked,  shooting  from  sheer 
wantonness  the  live  stock  that  could  not  be  run 
down  without  too  much  labor,  and  seeming 
eager  in  every  way  to  mark  their  trail  by  de- 
struction. 

It  was  an  hour  before  sunset  when  the  boys 
saw  in  the  distance  the  buildings  of  the  Dillard 
plantation,  and  knew  that  the  time  was  near  at 
hand  when,  if  ever,  they  must  get  word  to  that 
little  band  whose  lives  were  in  such  deadly 
peril." 

Ephraim  Sowers  was  nowhere  to  be  seen ;  but 
slight  comfort  could  be  derived  from  this  fact, 
for  it  seemed  reasonable  to  suppose  he  was 
making  himself  obnoxious  in  the  dwelling  of 
those  people  whom  he  had  once  claimed  as  his 
friends,  but  was  now  visiting  as  their  bitterest 
enemy. 

"  Keep  your  wits  about  you  for  the  first  op- 
portunity to  gain  speech  with  Sarah  Dillard," 
Nathan  whispered  to  his  comrade,  and  Evan 


44  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

sighed  as  he  nodded  in  reply,  for  it  seemed  to 
him  there  was  little  chance  they  would  be  per- 
mitted to  hold  a  conversation  with  any  acquaint- 
ance, because  of  the  probable  fact  that  Ephraim 
Sowers  would  guard  against  such  a  proceeding. 

The  prisoners  were  marched  directly  up  to 
the  dwelling,  and  there,  with  the  windows  and 
doors  flung  wide  open,  they  had  a  full  view  of 
the  entire  interior,  but  their  enemy  was  nowhere 
to  be  seen. 

This,  to  Evan,  unaccountable  absence,  troubled 
him  not  a  little,  for  he  believed  it  betokened 
yet  more  mischief  on  the  part  of  the  vindictive 
Tory,  but  Nathan  was  not  so  ready  to  take 
alarm. 

"  It  may  be  that  he  is  keeping  out  of  sight, 
hoping  Sarah  Dillard  will  still  look  upon  him 
as  a  friend,  and,  in  case  the  captain  should  suc- 
ceed in  escaping,  confide  the  secret  of  his  where- 
abouts to  him." 

The  mistress  of  the  house  was  doing  all  in 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  45 

her  power  to  satisfy  the  exacting  demands  of 
the  officers  who  had  quartered  themselves  upon 
her,  as  the  boys  could  see  while  they  remained 
halted  near  the  doorway. 

It  appeared  that  such  servants  as  she  had 
were  not  sufficient  in  numbers  to  please  these 
fastidious  red-coated  gentlemen,  and  they  had 
insisted  that  Mrs.  Dillard  should  perform  her 
share  of  waiting  upon  them.  Now  one  would 
call  out  some  peremptory  order,  and  then  follow 
it  with  a  demand  that  the  mistress  of  the  house 
give  it  her  especial  attention,  while,  despite  such 
insolence,  Sarah  Dillard  moved  with  dignity 
here  or  there,  as  if  it  were  pleasure  rather  than 
necessity  which  caused  her  to  so  demean  herself. 

On  the  outside  roundabout  the  soldiers  were 
engaged  in  their  customary  diversion  of  killing 
every  animal  which  came  within  range  of  their 
guns,  and  a  huge  bonfire  had  been  built  of  the 
corncribs.  near  which  a  score  or  more  of  men 
were  preparing  the  evening  meal. 


46  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

A  spectator  would  have  said  that  the  dwell- 
ing itself  was  spared  only  because  in  it  the 
officers  had  taken  up  their  quarters,  and  once 
they  were  ready  to  depart  it  would  be  demol- 
ished as  the  other  structures  surrounding  it  had 
been. 

During  half  an  hour  or  more  the  boys  stood 
close  by  the  door  under  close  guard,  and  then 
one  of  the  officers  appeared  to  have  suddenly 
become  conscious  of  their  existence,  for  he  called 
in  a  loud  tone  to  Mrs.  Dillard : 

"  We  desire  of  you,  madam,  some  apartment 
which  will  serve  as  a  prison  for  two  rebel  cubs 
that  we  have  lately  taken.  Can  the  cellar  be 
securely  fastened  V 

"There  is  only  a  light  lattice-work  at  the 
windows,  which  might  readily  be  broken  out  if 
your  prisoners  made  an  effort  at  escape,"  Mrs. 
Dillard  replied. 

"  But  surely  you  have  some  apartment  which 
will  answer  our  purpose  ?     If  not,  the  men  can 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  47 

speedily  nail  bars  on  the  outside  of  one  of  the 
chamber  windows." 

"  There  is  a  room  above,  the  window  of  which 
is  already  barred,  that  may  serve  your  purpose," 
Mrs.  Dillard  said,  as  she  glanced  toward  the 
boys  with  a  certain  uplifting  of  the  eyes,  as  if 
to  say  that  they  should  not  recognize  her  as  an 
acquaintance. 

"  Show  it  to  me  and  we  will  soon  decide  if 
that  be  what  is  required,  or  whether  we  shall 
call  upon  our  troopers  to  turn  carpenters,"  the 
officer  said  with  a  laugh,  as  if  believing  he  had 
given  words  to  some  witticism,  and  in  silence 
Mrs.  Dillard  motioned  one  of  the  servants  to 
lead  the  way  to  the  floor  above. 

The  brief  survey  which  he  made  appeared  to 
satisfy  the  Britisher,  for  on  his  return  he  said 
to  Major  Ferguson,  who  was  seated  at  the  head 
of  the  table,  giving  his  undivided  attention  to 
the  generous  supply  of  food  which  the  mistress 
of  the  house  had  been  forced  to  bring  out : 


48  SARAH  DILLARDS'  RIDE. 

"There  is  but  one  window  in  the  room  of 
which  our  fair  hostess  spoke,  and  that  overlooks 
the  stable-yard ;  it  is  barred  on  the  outside  with 
oaken  rails  stout  enough  to  resist  the  efforts  of 
any  three  of  our  troopers,  I  should  say.  The 
door  can  be  not  only  bolted,  but  locked  on  the 
outside,  and  in  my  opinion  there  should  be 
no  need  of  a  sentinel  stationed  inside  the 
building." 

"If  such  is  the  case,  why  spend  so  much 
breath  in  describing  the  dungeon,"  Major  Fer- 
guson said  with  a  laugh.  "  It  is  enough  for  our 
purpose  if  the  lads  cannot  break  out,  and  the 
sooner  they  are  lodged  within  the  sooner  you 
will  be  ready  to  hold  your  peace,  thus  giving 
me  an  opportunity  of  enjoying  this  admirable 
game  pie.  Put  the  rebels  away  and  sit  down 
here,  for  it  may  be  many  days  before  another 
such  chance  presents  itself." 

Word  was  passed  to  the  soldier  who  had  the 
prisoners  in  charge  for  him  to  take  them  to 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  49 

the  upper  floor,  and  this  trifling  matter  having 
been  arranged,  the  gallant  British  officers  turned 
their  attention  once  more  to  converting  their 
hostess  into  a  servant. 


50  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 


CHAPTER  IIL 

A  DESPERATE   VENTURE. 

The  meaning  look  which  Mrs.  Dillard  had 
bestowed  upon  the  prisoners,  brief  though  it 
was,  sufficed  to  revive  their  spirits  wonderfully. 
Not  that  there  was  any  promise  in  it ;  but  it 
showed  they  were  recognized  by  the  hostess 
and,  knowing  her  as  they  did,  the  boys  knew 
that  if  there  was  a  loophole  of  escape  for  them 
she  would  point  it  out. 

While  preceding  the  soldier  up  the  stairs  it 
was  much  as  though  they  were  guests  in  Sarah 
Dillard's  home,  and  there  came  with  the  fancy 
a  certain  sense  of  relief  and  security  such  as  had 
not  been  theirs  for  many  hours. 

The  apartment  selected  to  serve  as  prison  was 
by  no  means  dismal ;  it  was  cleanly,  like  unto 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  51 

every  other  portion  of  Sarah  Dillard's  home, 
and  sufficiently  large  to  permit  of  moderate 
exercise,  with  a  barred  window  overlooking  the 
stable-yard  which  allowed  all  that  took  place 
in  the  rear  of  the  dwelling  to  be  seen. 

"  I  shouldn't  mind  being  a  rebel  myself  for  a 
few  hours  in  order  to  get  such  quarters  as  these," 
the  soldier  said  as  he  followed  the  boys  into  the 
chamber.  "  Not  a  bad  place  in  which  to  spend 
the  night." 

"  With  a  couple  of  blankets  a  body  might  be 
very  comfortable,"  Nathan  replied  in  a  cheery 
tone,  for  despite  the  dangers  which  threatened 
that  little  band  at  Greene's  Spring,  despite 
Ephraim  Sowers'  avowed  enmity  and  probable 
ability  to  do  harm,  despite  the  fact  that  he  was 
a  prisoner,  this  enforced  visit  to  Captain  Dill- 
ard's house  was  so  much  like  a  home-coming 
that  his  spirits  were  raised  at  once. 

"And  you  have  the  effrontery  to  ask  for 
blankets  after  getting  such  a  prison  as  makes  a 


52  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

soldier's  mouth  water,"  the  Britisher  said  with 
a  certain  rough  good-nature  in  his  tone.  "  You 
rebels  have  a  precious  queer  idea  of  this  sort  of 
business,  if  you  can  complain  because  of  lack  of 
blankets." 

"  I  am  not  complaining,"  Nathan  replied  with 
a  laugh.  "  Of  course  there  is  no  situation  which 
cannot  be  bettered  in  some  way,  and  I  was  sim- 
ply speaking  of  how  this  might  be  improved. 
We  are  satisfied  with  it,  however,  as  it  is." 

"And  so  you  had  better  be,  for  I  am  think- 
ing there  are  not  two  rebel  prisoners  as  com- 
fortably bottled  up,  and  by  this  time  to-morrow 
night  you  will  be  wishing  yourselves  back,"  re* 
plied  the  guard. 

Then  the  soldier  locked  and  barred  the  door 
on  the  outside,  trying  it  again  and  again  to 
make  certain  it  could  not  readily  be  forced  open, 
and  a  few  seconds  later  the  sound  of  his  foot- 
steps told  that  the  boys  were  comparatively 
alone  for  the  time  being. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  53 

Now  was  come  the  moment  when  they  should 
make  known  the  danger  which  threatened  the 
friends  of  freedom  through  Ephraim  Sowers' 
perfidy,  for  every  second  might  be  precious  if  a 
warning  message  could  be  sent,  and  involun- 
tarily both  the  lads  ran  to  the  window,  looking 
eagerly  out  through  the  bars  in  the  hope  of  see- 
ing some  member  of  the  household  whose 
attention  might  be  attracted. 

Major  Ferguson's  subordinates  were  not  so 
careless  as  to  allow  their  prisoners  many  oppor- 
tunities of  such  a  nature.  All  the  servants,  and 
in  fact  every  person  on  the  plantation,  was  kept 
busily  engaged  waiting  upon  the  redcoats,  a 
goodly  number  of  whom  could  be  seen  in  the 
stable-yards,  which  knowledge  caused  Evan  to 
say  mournfully : 

"  We  are  not  like  to  get  speech  with  any  one 
who  could  carry  word  to  Greene's  Springe  It 
stands  to  reason  Ephraim  Sowers  has  warned 
the  Britishers  that  such  an  attempt  might  be 


54  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

made,  and  you  may  be  certain,  Nathan,  no  one 
can  leave  the  plantation  without  Major  Fergu- 
son's permission." 

"It  is  possible  he  can  prevent  a  message 
being  carried ;  but  I  shall  not  give  up  hope  yet 
awhile." 

"  Before  many  hours  have  passed  the  troop, 
or  at  least  a  portion  of  it,  will  set  out  to 
slaughter  our  friends.  I  would  I  knew  where 
that  Tory  spy  was  at  this  moment !" 

"Most  likely  he  has  gone  ahead  to  make  sure 
his  victims  do  not  escape.  We  shall  hear  of 
him  again  'twixt  now  and  daybreak." 

"I  am  afraid  so,"  Evan  replied  with  a  long- 
drawn  sigh,  and  then,  leaning  his  forehead 
against  the  wooden  bars,  he  gazed  out  longingly 
in  the  direction  his  feet  would  have  taken  had 
he  been  at  liberty. 

With  two  hours'  start  he  might  save  the  lives, 
perhaps  of  a  hundred  men,  all  of  whom  could 
be  accounted  his  friends,  and  yet  because  of 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  55 

one  lad's  wickedness  that  little  band  of  patriots 
was  in  imminent  danger  of  being  massacred. 

From  the  apartments  below  the  coarse  laugh 
and  coarser  jest  of  a  Britisher  could  be  heard, 
telling  that  the  enemy  were  still  bent  on  mak- 
ing themselves  as  obnoxious  to  the  inmates  of 
the  household  as  was  possible,  while  now  and 
then  from  the  outside  came  sounds  of  the 
splintering  of  wood  or  the  cackling  of  poultry 
as  the  soldiery  continued  their  work  of  wanton 
destruction. 

Both  officers  and  men  grew  more  nearly  quiet 
as  the  shadows  of  night  began  to  lengthen.  The 
Britishers  were  weary  with  asserting  their  pre- 
tended right  as  victors,  and  the  stable-yard  was 
well-nigh  deserted  of  its  redcoated  occupants. 

The  young  prisoners  were  standing  near  the 
window  in  silence,  when  a  slight  noise  as  of 
some  animal  scratching  at  the  door  attracted 
their  attention,  and  instantly  the  same  thought 
came  into  the  mind  of  each. 


56  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

Sarah  Dillard,  freed  for  the  time  being  from 
the  exacting  demands  of  the  unwelcome  visitors, 
had  come,  perchance,  to  point  out  some  way  of 
escape. 

Now  was  arrived  the  moment  when  they 
might  reveal  to  this  brave  woman  the  dangers 
which  threatened,  and  yet  for  the  instant  Nathan 
hesitated  so  to  do,  because  it  appeared  to  him 
that  he  would  be  distressing  her  needlessly, 
since  it  was  hardly  probable  she  could  find 
means  of  conveying  the  warning  to  those  in 
peril.  By  making  her  acquainted  with  all  that 
threatened  he  would  be  doing  no  more  than  to 
increase  her  distress  of  mind. 

Evan,  however,  was  not  looking  so  far  into 
the  futurec  He  only  realized  that  perhaps  now 
was  the  moment  when  he  would  make  known 
Ephraim  Sowers'  perfidy,  and  crept  noiselessly 
toward  the  door,  whispering  eagerly : 

"Is  that  you,  Mistress  Dillard?" 

"Yes,  boys,  and  I  have  come  in  the  almost 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  57 

vain  hope  that  it  may  be  possible  to  serve  you, 
although  I  know  not  how.  When  did  you  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  ?" 

"Have  you  seen  Ephraim  Sowers  here?" 
Evan  asked,  heeding  not  the  question. 

"No.     Has  he  also  been  made  prisoner?" 

"It  is  far  worse  than  that.  He  is  a  spy  in 
the  service  of  the  redcoats,  and  has  revealed  to 
them  the  whereabouts  of  Colonel  Clarke's 
band." 

"  That  is  impossible,  for  the  entire  company 
were  here  not  more  than  eight  hours  ago,  and 
with  them  was  my  husband." 

a  Then  the  miserable  spy  is  mistaken,  and 
these  Britishers  will  have  their  journey  for  their 
pains/'  Nathan  whispered  in  a  tone  of  intense 
relief.  "  Ephraim  has  told  Major  Ferguson  that 
they  were  encamped  at  Greene's  Spring,  and 
there- — " 

"  And  it  is  to  Greene's  Spring  they  are  go- 
ing!"  Mrs.  Dillard   cried   unconsciously   loud. 


58  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"How  could  any   spy  have   learned  of  their 
intended  movements  ?" 

11  You  must  remember  that  Ephraim  Sowers 
has  not  been  looked  upon  as  a  spy.  Perchance 
no  one  except  the  Britishers  knew  it  until  we 
two  saw  him  coming  into  the  camp  where  we 
were  prisoners,"  and  Nathan  spoke  hurriedly. 
"  It  is  not  for  us  to  speculate  how  our  friends 
have  been  betrayed ;  but  to  give  the  warning  to 
them  without  loss  of  time." 

Mrs.  Dillard  did  not  reply  immediately,  and 
the  prisoners  could  well  fancy  that  she  was  try- 
ing to  decide  how  the  danger  might  best  be 
warded  off. 

"  Is  it  not  possible  for  you  to  release  us  ?" 
Nathan  asked  after  a  brief  pause.  "  If  either 
Evan  or  I  were  at  liberty  we  might  be  able,  by 
rapid  running,  to  cover  the  distance  between 
here  and  Greene's  Springs  before  the  redcoats 
could  arrive  there,  for  it  is  not  likely  they  will 
start  very  early  in  the  night." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  59 

"  To  escape  from  the  window  while  the 
soldiers  are  in  the  stable-yard  is  impossible," 
Mrs.  Dillard  replied,  much  as  though  speaking 
to  herself,  "  and  as  for  getting  you  out  by  this 
way  I  am  powerless.  One  of  the  officers  has  a 
key  to  the  door,  and  even  if  it  was  in  our  pos- 
session, there  is  little  chance  you  could  make 
your  way  through  the  house  secretly." 

(t  But  something  must  be  done,  and  at  once," 
Nathan  whispered  in  an  agony  of  apprehension, 
and  at  that  moment  the  sound  of  footsteps  on 
the  floor  below  caused  Mrs.  Dillard  to  beat  a 
retreat. 

The  boys  could  hear  the  swish  of  her  gar- 
ments as  she  ran  through  the  hallway,  and  it 
was  as  if  the  good  woman  had  no  more  than 
hidden  herself  from  view  before  the  heavy  foot- 
steps of  a  man  on  the  stairs  told  that  some  one 
of  the  Britishers  was  coming  to  make  certain 
the  prisoners  were  securely  confined. 

Creeping  noiselessly  away  from  the  door  lest 


60  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

the  redcoat  should  enter  and  find  them  in  a 
position  which  betokened  that  they  had  been 
holding  converse  with  some  one  on  the  outside, 
the  lads  remained  silent  and  motionless  until 
the  noise  of  footsteps  told  that  this  cautious 
Britisher,  having  satisfied  himself  all  was  as  it 
should  be,  had  returned  to  the  floor  below. 

Then  the  lads  stole  softly  back  near  the  door 
where  they  awaited  the  coming  of  the  woman 
whom  they  hoped  might  show  them  the  way  to 
freedom,  even  though  at  the  time  it  seemed  im- 
possible she  could  do  so. 

The  moments  passed  like  hours  while  she  re- 
mained absent,  and  then  once  more  they  heard 
a  faint  scratching  at  the  door  which  told  of  her 
return. 

"  Tell  me  all  you  know  regarding  this  boy 
Sowers  being  a  spy,"  Mrs.  Dillard  whispered 
when  she  was  once  more  where  private  conver- 
sation could  be  carried  on.  and  Nathan  said 
nervously : 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  61 

"  Why  speak  of  him  at  a  time  when  every 
moment  is  precious?  Instead  of  giving  such  as 
that  villain  a  place  in  our  thoughts  we  should 
be  trying  to  form  some  plan  whereby  the  lives 
of  our  friends  may  be  saved." 

"It  is  yet  too  early  in  the  night  for  us  to 
make  any  move,"  the  brave  woman  replied  as  if 
her  mind  was  already  made  up  to  a  course  of 
action.  "  Until  the  men  have  quieted  down 
somewhat  we  cannot  so  much  as  cross  the  yard 
without  being  challenged,  and  I  would  know  all 
that  may  be  told  before  setting  out  for  Greene's 
Spring." 

"  Do  you  count  on  making  such  a  venture  ?" 
Evan  asked  in  surprise. 

"  Some  one  must  do  it,  and  since  I  cannot  set 
you  free,  I  must  act  as  messenger." 

"But  there  is  hardly  one  chance  in  a  hun- 
dred you  will  succeed." 

"  Yet  I  shall  try  to  take  advantage  of  that 
hundredth  chance." 


62  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"  But  how  may  you  get  there  ?  It  is  twenty 
miles  over  a  rough  mountain  road." 

"  Even  though  it  were  ten  times  as  far,  and 
the  peril  greater  an  hundredfold,  do  you  not 
think  I  would  brave  it  in  the  hope  of  saving 
the  lives  of  those  brave  men  ?" 

Evan  ceased  to  find  objections  to  her  plan ; 
but  asked  how  she  might  be  able  to  make  the 
journey. 

"  There  is  in  the  stable  a  colt  which  the 
Britishers  will  hardly  attempt  to  drive  away 
because  he  has  not  yet  been  broken.  I  shall  do 
my  best  at  riding  him,  and  trust  in  the  good 
God  for  protection." 

Nathan  was  not  a  cowardly  lad  ;  his  acquaint- 
ances spoke  of  him  as  one  having  much  courage, 
and  yet  he  trembled  at  the  thought  of  this 
woman  attempting  to  bridle  an  unbroken  colt, 
and  then  ride  him  twenty  miles  over  the  rough 
mountain  roads  where  only  the  steadiest  of 
horses  might  safely  be  used. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  63 

He  would  have  said  something  in  the  hope  of 
dissuading  her  from  her  purpose ;  but  it  was  as 
if  his  tongue  refused  its  office,  for  Sarah  Dil- 
lard  would  ride  that  night  not  only  to  save  a 
hundred  or  more  friends  of  freedom,  but  to  save 
the  life  of  her  husband. 

"Tell  me  all  you  know  of  the  spy,  so  that  I 
may  warn  our  people  against  him  with  fair 
proof." 

Neither  Evan  nor  Nathan  made  any  attempt 
at  giving  advice ;  the  woman's  courage  so  far 
eclipsed  theirs  that  it  was  as  if  she  should  com- 
mand and  they  obey — as  if  they  had  no  right 
even  to  offer  a  suggestion.  Obedient  to  her 
wishes  they  repeated  all  they  had  heard  the 
vindictive  Tory  say,  and  described  in  detail 
his  reception  at  Major  Ferguson's  camp. 

"  If  you  could  only  take  us  with  you,  or  what 
would  be  better,  so  manage  it  that  we  might  go 
in  your  stead,"  Nathan  said  when  his  account 
of  Ephraim  Sowers  was  brought  to  an  end. 


64  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"I  would  willingly  do  so  if  it  might  be  pos- 
sible ;  but  I  can  see  no  way  to  accomplish  such 
a  purpose." 

"Yet  there  are  many  chances  against  your 
being  able  to  ride  the  colt,  however  willing  you 
may  be,"  Evan  said,  as  if  hoping  such  sugges- 
tion might  cause  her  to  devise  another  means  of 
forwarding  the  warning. 

11 1  know  full  well  how  many  chances  there 
are  against  success,  and  yet  because  it  is  the 
only  hope,  I  shall  venture." 

But  little  conversation  was  indulged  in  after 
this  assertion,  which  seemed  prompted  by 
despair. 

Nathan  told  the  brave  woman  all  he  knew 
regarding  the  most  direct  path  through  the 
thicket  to  the  American  encampment,  and  Evan 
warned  her  to  be  on  the  alert  for  Sowers  near- 
abput  the  spring,  where  both  he  and  his  com- 
rade believed  the  spy  had  gone  to  make  certain 
his  intended  victims  did  not  escape. 


sarah  dillard's  ride.  65 

Then  all  fell  silent  as  if  awed  by  the  dangers 
which  were  to  be  voluntarily  encountered,  and 
presently  the  boys  knew  from  the  faint  sounds 
that  Sarah  Dillard  had  stolen  swiftly  away 
without  so  much  as  a  word  of  adieu. 

"  She  will  never  be  able  to  get  an  unbroken 
colt  out  of  the  stable,  even  if  she  succeeds  in 
bridling  him,"  Evan  whispered,  and  Nathan 
replied  with  a  certain  hopefulness  in  his  tone, 
although  he  was  far  from  believing  the  venture 
might  succeed: 

"  It  is  possible  the  task  maybe  accomplished. 
I  have  more  faith  in  her  gaining  the  mastery  of 
the  colt  for  a  certain  time  than  I  have  of  her 
being  able  to  keep  him  on  the  trail.  There  are 
many  places  'twixt  here  and  Greene's  Spring 
where  a  single  misstep,  such  as  an  untrained 
animal  is  likely  to  make,  will  send  them  both 
into  eternity.'' 

As  if  by  a  common  impulse  the  boys  moved 
toward  the  window,  and  there  stood  gazing  out, 


66  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

waiting  for  the  appearance  of  the  brave  woman 
who  had  not  only  to  master  an  untamed  horse, 
but  to  keep  herself  concealed  from  view  while 
surrounded  by  enemies. 

The  troopers'  steeds  had  been  stabled  in  the 
huge  barns  to  the  right  of  the  dwelling,  where 
were  kept  the  draft  animals,  and,  as  the  boys 
well  knew,  Captain  Dillard's  saddle  horses  and 
the  colt  to  which  his  wife  had  referred,  were 
housed  in  the  small  building  directly  across  the 
stable-yard  from  the  improvised  prison. 

This  particular  portion  of  the  plantation 
appeared  to  be  entirely  abandoned  by  redcoats ; 
but  the  officers  in  the  dwelling  were  so  near  at 
hand  that  any  unusual  noise  in  or  around  the 
yard  would  immediately  attract  their  attention, 
even  though  the  sentinels  were  remiss  in  their 
duty,  and  it  seemed  well-nigh  impossible  that 
Sarah  Dillard  could  so  much  as  lead  the 
most  steady  animal  out  into  the  open  without 
betraying  her  movements  to  the  enemy. 


sarah  dillard's  ride.  67 

"  She  won't  be  able  to  bridle  the  colt  without 
something  of  a  fight,"  Evan  said  half  to  him- 
self, and  Nathan  added  as  if  he  would  find  some 
ray  of  hope  in  the  gloom  which  surrounded 
them: 

"  It  is  fortunate  that  the  stable  has  no  floor, 
and  the  colt  may  do  considerable  prancing 
around  without  giving  an  alarm." 

"Yet  it  is  not  likely  she  can  ride  him  out 
without  a  certain  amount  of  noise." 

"I  know  the  venture  is  a  desperate  one," 
Nathan  replied  mournfully ;  "  but  I  am  forcing 
myself  to  believe  it  may  succeed." 

At  this  instant  a  dark  form  was  seen  moving 
cautiously  around  the  corner  of  the  house  in  the 
direction  of  the  small  stable,  and  the  boys  knew 
that  the  desperate  venture  was  begun. 

Although  the  night  had  fully  come  it  was 
not  so  dark  but  that  surrounding  objects  could 
be  seen  with  reasonable  distinctness,  and  from 
the  moment  Sarah  Dillard  thus  came  in  view 


68  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

the  prisoners  were  able  to  follow  her  every 
movement. 

No  frontiersman  could  have  made  his  way 
across  the  yard  with  less  noise  than  she  did ; 
not  so  much  as  the  breaking  of  a  twig  betrayed 
her  movements,  and  if  this  stealing  out  of  the 
house  had  been  the  only  difficult  part  of  her 
task,  then  one  might  say  she  would  accomplish 
it  readily. 

The  boys  hardly  dared  to  breathe  as  she  came 
from  the  shadows  of  the  building,  moving  with 
reasonable  rapidity  across  the  yard  until  she  was 
lost  to  view  in  the  gloom  of  the  stable,  and  then, 
although  no  creaking  of  hinges  betrayed  her 
purpose,  both  knew  she  had  effected  an  entrance. 

It  was  only  the  easiest  portion  of  the  work 
which  had  been  accomplished,  however,  and  the 
prisoners  stood  with  every  nerve  strained  to  its 
utmost  tension  as  they  listened  for  what  would 
betoken  that  the  struggle  with  the  untamed 
animal  had  begun. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  69 

Once,  just  for  an  instant,  they  saw  her  form 
at  the  door,  and  then  she  suddenly  disappeared 
as  if  the  colt  had  pulled  her  back;  but  as  yet, 
even  though  on  the  alert,  they  could  hear  noth- 
ing unusual,  and  unless  the  British  officers  grew 
suspicious  because  of  her  absence,  she  was  yet 
in  safety. 

One,  two,  three  moments  passed  almost  as  if 
they  were  hours,  and  then  the  brave  woman 
could  be  seen  fondling  and  petting  the  colt,  who 
already  wore  the  bridle,  as  she  peered  out  from 
the  doorway  to  learn  if  the  coast  was  yet  clear. 

"  She  has  bridled  him,  and  without  making  a 
noise,"  Evan  whispered  in  a  tone  of  astonish- 
ment. 

"It  was  easier  to  do  that  in  the  darkness  than 
it  would  have  been  in  the  light,  and  if  she  is 
wise  she  will  mount  inside,  instead  of  trying  to 
do  so  out  here." 

It  was  as  if  Nathan  had  no  more  than  spoken 
when  with  a  bound  the  colt,  bearing  on  his 


70  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

back  the  woman  who  was  risking  her  life  to 
save  her  husband,  came  over  the  threshold, 
rearing  straight  up  on  his  hind  feet  until  there 
seemed  every  danger  he  would  topple  backward ; 
but  yet  his  rider  kept  her  seat. 

"I  had  never  believed  a  woman  could  do 
that,"  Evan  exclaimed  in  a  whisper. 

"  Perhaps  this  one  might  not  have  been  able 
to  but  for  the  necessity.  It  hardly  seems  pos- 
sible she  can  get  out  of  the  yard  without  detec- 
tion, for  the  sound  of  his  hoofs  as  he  rears  and 
plunges  must  of  necessity  bring  the  redcoats 
out  in  the  belief  that  their  own  horses  have  been 
stampeded." 

The  colt  struggled  desperately  to  free  himself 
from  the  strange  burden  upon  his  back,  and  yet, 
singularly  enough,  never  once  did  he  come  down 
upon  the  ground  with  sufficient  force  to  cause 
alarm.  He  alternately  reared  and  plunged 
while  one  might  have  counted  ten,  his  rider 
clinging  to  him  meanwhile  as  if  she  had  been 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  71 

strapped  securely  down,  and  then  with  a  bound 
he  cleared  the  stack  of  brush  which  was  piled 
just  behind  the  stable,  disappearing  an  instant 
later  amid  the  forest,  which  on  this  side  the 
plantation  had  been  left  standing  within  a 
hundred  yards  of  the  dwelling. 

"She  is  off,  and  headed  in  the  right  direc- 
tion," Nathan  said  in  a  tone  of  amazement,  as  if 
it  was  almost  incredible  the  feat  had  been 
accomplished,  and  the  words  were  no  more  than 
uttered  before  out  of  the  house  came  trooping 
half  a  dozen  men,  alarmed  by  the  thud  of  the 
animal's  hoofs. 

"  They  have  heard  her,"  Evan  cried  in  an 
agony  of  apprehension,  "  and  now  the  chase 
will  begin,  for  they  must  understand  what  her 
purpose  is  in  thus  running  away." 

Fortunately  for  the  safety  of  that  little  band 
at  Greene's  Spring,  the  Britishers  were  not  so 
well  informed  by  the  noise  of  all  that  had  taken 
place  as  Evan  believed. 


72  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

The  thud  of  the  colt's  feet  had  simply  caused 
them  to  believe  there  mi  adit  be  a  disturbance 
among  their  own  animals,  and  they  were 
very  far  from  suspecting  the  real  truth  of  the 
matter, 

They  went  hurriedly  toward  the  barns  where- 
in their  horses  were  stabled,  however,  and  see- 
ing this  both  the  boys  believed  that  chase  was 
about  to  be  given. 

"  If  she  can  keep  the  colt  straight  on  the 
course,  I  have  no  fear  they  will  overtake  her," 
iNathan  said,  much  as  though  speaking  to  him- 
self ;  "  but  it  is  not  probable  the  beast  will  be 
so  tractable." 

Now  the  prisoners  watched  in  anxious  sus- 
pense to  see  the  first  of  the  troop  ride  out  in 
pursuit,  and  as  the  moments  passed  their  spirits 
increased  almost  to  bewilderment  because  no 
such  move  was  made. 

Finally,  one  by  one,  the  redcoats  returned  to 
the  house  as  if  satisfied  everything  was  as  it 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  73 

should  be,  and  Evan  whispered,  as  if  doubting 
the  truth  of  his  own  statement : 

"  It  must  be  that  they  fail  to  suspect  any- 
thing is  wrong.  There  is  yet  a  possibility, 
Nathan,  that  Sarah  Dillard  will  accomplish  the 
task  which  half  an  hour  ago  I  would  have  said 
was  absolutely  beyond  her  powers." 

"  And  if  she  can  bridle  and  mount  the  beast, 
I  am  tempted  to  believe  she  may  reach  Greene's 
Spring  in  time,  for  certain  it  is  that  up  to  this 
moment  no  one  suspects  that  she  has  left  the 
plantation." 

«  I  could " 

Evan  ceased  speaking  very  suddenly,  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  he  could  repress  a  cry  of 
fear,  for  at  this  instant  the  key  was  turned  in 
the  lock,  the  door  flung  open,  and  as  the  prison- 
ers suddenly  faced  around,  they  saw  before 
them  Ephraim  Sowers,  looking  satisfied  and 
triumphant. 


74=  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    STRUGGLE. 

The  first  and  most  natural  thought  that  came 
into  the  minds  of  the  boys,  as  they  turned  to 
see  their  enemy  standing  in  the  doorway,  was 
that  he  had  discovered  the  flight,  and,  perhaps, 
counted  on  doing  something  toward  checking  it 
even  now,  when  Sarah  Dillard  must  have  been 
a  mile  or  more  away. 

Almost  as  soon  as  this  idea  presented  itself, 
however,  both  realized  that  if  the  grinning 
Tory  had  even  so  much  as  a  suspicion  of  the 
real  state  of  affairs  he  would  be  urging  the 
troopers  on  in  pursuit,  rather  than  standing  idly 
there. 

The  young  scoundrel  remained  for  an  instant 
in.  the    doorway  enjoying    his    triumph,    and 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  75 

Nathan  found  it  difficult  to  repress  a  smile  of 
satisfaction  as  he  saw  the  spy  thus  unsuspicious, 
while  Sarah  Dillard  was  speeding  toward 
Greene's  Spring  to  carry  the  warning  which,  if 
told,  would  most  likely  save  the  lives  of  a 
hundred  men. 

Ephraim,  firmly  convinced  that  nothing  could 
avert  the  fate  shaped  by  him  for  Colonel 
Clarke  and  his  force,  was  enjoying  the  situation 
as  pictured  in  his  mind,  to  the  utmost  of  his 
mean  nature,  and  the  boys  almost  forgot  they 
were  prisoners  in  the  pleasure  born  of  the 
knowledge  that  the  Tory  might  yet  be  out- 
witted. 

"What  are  you  fellows  doing  over  there  by 
the  window  ?"  Ephraim  asked  peremptorily 
after  surveying  the  two  in  silence  fully  a 
moment. 

"  Have  the  Britishers  any  law  or  rule  which 
forbids  one  deprived  of  liberty  from  seeking 
fresh   air  whenever    he  may  be  so  fortunate 


76  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

as  to  get  an  opportunity  V  Nathan  asked 
sharply. 

"Hark  you,  Nathan  Shelby,  I  am  tired  of 
hearing  your  long-winded  speeches,  and  we  will 
have  done  with  them  from  this  out — at  least,  so 
long  as  I  am  the  master." 

"  So  long  as  you  are  the  master !"  Evan  re- 
peated in  a  tone  of  contempt.  "We  haven't 
been  aware  that  such  was  the  case." 

"  Then  you  may  know  it  now  for  a  certainty. 
I  am  counting  on  you  two  trying  to  escape,  and 
therefore  have  come  to  stand  guard  in  this 
room." 

"  And  a  valiant  guard  you  will  be,  Ephraim 
Sowers,  if  your  courage  is  no  greater  than  it  was 
one  year  ago,  when  you  fled  in  hot  haste  from 
what  proved  to  be  a  turkey-cock,  thinking  you 
saw  the  head  of  an  Indian  among  the  weeds," 
Nathan  said  jeeringly,  and  the  spy  retorted 
angrily : 

"Have  a  care  over   your  tongue,  my  bold 


sarah  dillard's  ride.  77 

rebel !  Matters  have  changed  now  from  what  they 
were  forty-eight  hours  ago.  You  are  among 
those  who  obey  the  king,  and  do  not  allow 
sedition-breeders  free  rein  of  their  tongues." 

"  And  now  hark  you,  Master  Sowers,"  Nathan 
cried,  losing  his  temper  somewhat  because  of 
the  air  of  authority  which  this  fellow  assumed. 
"  'Rebels  and  sedition-breeders '  are  names  which 
have  too  much  meaning  in  these  days  for  you 
to  let  them  fall  so  trippingly  from  your  tongue ! 
Have  a  care,  you  Tory  sneak,  lest  even  while 
acting  the  part  of  guard  over  your  betters,  you 
come  to  grief !  I'm  not  minded  to  take  many 
threats  from  a  coward  and  a  spy." 

"In  this  case,  however,  you  will  take  whatso- 
ever I  choose  to  give,  Nathan  Shelby,  for  it 
needs  only  that  I  raise  my  voice  to  bring  here 
those  who  would  shoot  you  down  did  you  so 
much  as  lift  your  hand  against  me." 

"  And  it  is  such  knowledge  which  makes  you 
so  wondrous  brave,"  Evan  said  with  a  laugh  of 


78  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

scorn  which  did  more  to  rouse  the  young  spy's 
anger  than  words  could  have  done. 

He  struggled  for  an  instant  to  speak;  but 
stammered  and  hesitated  as  the  blood  rushed 
into  his  face  until,  losing  the  last  semblance  of 
patience,  he  motioned  for  them  to  move  back 
toward  the  window  from  which  they  had  just 
come. 

"  If  this  is  what  you  mean,  we  are  willing  to 
take  our  stations  here  without  your  running  the 
risk  of  bursting  because  of  your  own  sense  of 
importance,"  Nathan  said  as  he  moved  back  a 
few  paces,  Evan  following  the  example.  Cl  Have 
a  care,  however,  that  }^ou  do  not  attempt  to  give 
such  orders  as  we  shall  be  indisposed  to  obey,  lest 
it  seem  as  if  your  authority  amounted  to  noth- 
ing." 

By  this  time  Ephraim  so  far  regained  the 
mastery  over  himself  as  to  be  able  to  speak,  and 
he  cried  in  a  fury  : 

"  We'll  soon  see  whether  you  dare  disobey, 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  79 

and  to  that  end  I  will  keep  you  busy  for  an 
hour  or  more,  until  you  have  learned  that  I  am 
really  the  master.  Now  then,  you  rebels,  re- 
member that  the  king's  troops  are  near  at  hand 
to  shoot  you  down  at  the  first  sign  of  insubordi- 
nation, and  take  good  heed  to  move  exactly  as  I 
command." 

Ephraim  straightened  his  body  with  a  conse- 
quential air,  and  stood  for  an  instant  as  if 
reflecting  upon  how  he  had  best  prove  his 
authority,  while  the  two  prisoners  gazed  at  him 
in  astonishment  that  he  should  thus  dare  trust 
himself  unarmed  alone  with  them. 

"  Stand  straight  and  look  me  in  the  face  !"  he 
commanded.  "  If  the  day's  march  was  not 
enough  to  break  your  spirits,  we  will  see  what 
a  little  exercise  will  do  for  you  now.  Keep 
step,  and  travel  around  this  room  until  I  give 
you  permission  to  stop." 

"  Do  you  think  we  are  to  be  bullied  by  such 
as  you  ?"  Nathan  asked  in  great  astonishment. 


80  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"If  you  think  it  is  wise,  refuse  to  do  as  I  say, 
and  before  five  minutes  have  gone  by  you  will 
learn  the  result  of  disobedience." 

Neither  Evan  nor  Nathan  moved,  but  stood 
looking  inquiringly  into  each  other's  eyes  with 
an  expression  on  their  faces  which  would  have 
warned  the  Tory  of  mischief  had  he  been  less 
deeply  occupied  with  his  own  fancied  impor- 
tance. 

"Fall  into  line  and  march,  or  it  will  be  the 
worse  for  you  !"  he  cried,  advancing  threaten- 
ingly with  upraised  hand  until  he  was  within 
striking  distance  of  the  prisoners,  and  for  an 
instant  it  appeared  as  if  he  intended  to  inflict 
punishment  then  and  there. 

Whatever  idea  may  have  been  in  his  mind 
cannot  be  said,  yet  it  hardly  seems  possible  he 
would  have  attempted  personal  violence  while 
alone  with  those  whom  he  had  wronged,  even 
though  the  soldiers  were  so  near  at  hand. 

It  is  certain,  however,  the  boys  fully  believed 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  81 

he  would  carry  out  the  implied  threat,  and 
without  thinking  of  the  possible  consequences, 
or  stopping  to  realize  what  might  be  the  result 
if  this  spy  was  roughly  handled,  as  if  with  one 
accord  they  leaped  upon  him,  Nathan  taking  the 
precaution  of  clapping  his  hand  over  the  bully's 
mouth  at  the  first  onset  in  such  manner  that 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  speak  or  make  an 
outcry. 

Even  a  stronger  lad  than  Ephraim  Sowers 
would  have  gone  down  before  this  sudden 
attack  as  quickly  as  did  he,  and  in  a  twinkling 
the  prisoners  held  him  upon  the  floor  in  such 
fashion  that  only  one  arm  remained  free. 

Evan  sat  upon  his  feet,  while  Nathan,  in  ad- 
dition to  covering  his  mouth,  held  his  right  arm 
firmly. 

With  his  left  hand  Ephraim  struck  out  to 
the  best  of  his  ability,  but  without  accomplish- 
ing anything  whatsoever,  and  he  was  permitted 
to  thus  thrash  around,  doing  no  harm  to  any 


82  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

save  himself,  until  he  had  been  thoroughly- 
wearied  by  the  struggle. 

"I  reckon  we  have  got  time  enough  to 
teach  you  quite  a  lesson,"  Nathan  whispered 
with  but  slight  show  of  anger.  "You  are  sup- 
posed to  be  guarding  us  prisoners,  and  the  red- 
coats will  give  little  heed  to  you  for  some  hours 
to  come.  While  we  are  alone  you  shall  get  a 
taste  of  what  you  would  deal  out  to  others." 

As  a  matter  of  course  Ephraim  made  no 
reply,  because  it  was  impossible  so  to  do ;  but 
his  captors  could  read  in  his  eyes  the  threats  his 
tongue  was  powerless  to  utter. 

"I  know  what  you  would  say,  my  fine  Tory 
spy.  You  have  in  your  mind  the  thought  that 
we  must  in  time  let  you  up,  and  then  it  shall 
be  your  turn,  for  the  soldiers  will  be  called  in 
to  perform  what  you  fail  in  doing.  How  well 
would  that  plan  work  if  we  did  our  duty,  and 
killed  you  here  and  now  ?  It  is  what  should  be 
done  to  a  lad  who,  having  received  nothing  but 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  83 

favors  in  this  section  of  the  colony,  betrays  to 
their  death  a  hundred  or  more  of  his  neigh 
bors." 

Anger  had  rapidly  died  out  of  Ephraim's  eyes 
as  Nathan  spoke,  for  by  the  tone  of  the  latter, 
one  would  have  said  that  he  was  in  deadly 
earnest,  and  really  questioned  whether  or  no  it 
was  not  his  duty  to  take  this  worthless  life. 

"  It  would  not  be  a  hard  matter  to  let  his  life- 
blood  out,"  Evan  added,  intent  only  on  doing 
his  share  toward  frightening  the  spy,  "and  per- 
haps it  will  be  best  even  though  he  had  not  be- 
trayed Colonel  Clarke  and  his  men,  for  we  can 
have  a  very  fair  idea  of  what  he  will  be,  once 
power  is  his." 

"  Find  something  with  which  to  tie  his  feet 
and  hands,  and  then  we  will  contrive  a  gag  so 
that  it  is  not  necessary  to  sit  over  him  in  this 
fashion." 

Evan  obeyed  the  command  by  tearing  from 
the  lad's   hunting-shirt  two  or  three  strips  of 


84  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

material  sufficiently  stout  to  resist  all  his 
struggles,  and  in  a  comparatively  short  space  of 
time  the  Tory  was  bound  hand  and  foot,  with 
one  sleeve  of  his  own  garment  stuffed  inside  his 
mouth  as  a  gag. 

He  was  powerless  now  either  to  move  or 
speak,  and  only  when  the  work  was  accom- 
plished did  the  boys  fully  realize  that  they  had, 
perhaps,  injured  themselves  by  thus  temporarily 
turning  the  tables. 

"  It  would  have  been  better  had  we  let  him 
go  his  own  gait,"  Evan  said  in  a  whisper  as  he 
drew  Nathan  toward  the  window  where  the 
helpless  Tory  could  not  overhear  his  words. 
"  Of  course  we  cannot  hope  to  keep  him  here 
longer  than  morning,  and  it  is  hardly  likely  the 
redcoats  will  suffer  him  to  be  absent  so  many 
hours  without  making  certain  he  is  safe.  Once 
the  troopers  come  we  shall  suffer  for  this  bit  of 
pleasantry." 

"  They  are  not  like  to  put  in  an  appearance 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  85 

for  several  hours  yet,  more  especially  if  the 
villain  gave  out  that  he  would  stand  guard 
until  weary  of  the  sport." 

"  Yet  the  end  must  finally  come." 

Nathan  started  as  if  a  sudden  thought  had 
flashed  upon  him,  and  turned  quickly  toward 
the  window  as  he  seized  one  of  the  heavy  bars. 

"Have  you  any  idea  that  it  might  be  possi- 
ble to  pull  that  down?"  Evan  asked  won- 
deringly. 

"  Hark  you,  lad,"  and  now  Nathan  appeared 
like  one  laboring  under  great  excitement.  "  Why 
might  we  not  escape  ?  The  Britishers  will  have 
no  care  for  us  while  it  is  believed  that  sneak  is 
acting  as  sentinel,  and  if  one  of  these  bars  could 
be  removed,  we  might  count  on  at  least  an 
hour's  start." 

"  But  there  is  no  hope  of  our  being  able  to 
remove  the  barrier." 

"  Who  shall  say  until  it  has  been  tried  ?" 

"I  am  certain  that  with  our  bare  hands  we 


86  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

might  tug  and  strain  until  morning  without  so 
much  as  loosening  one  of  the  fastenings." 

It  was  as  if  this  suggestion  excited  Nathan 
to  a  yet  more  brilliant  flight  of  fancy  in  the  line 
of  escape,  for  suddenly  he  darted  toward  the 
door  where  he  stood  a  moment  in  the  attitude 
of  a  listener,  and  then  retracing  his  steps,  whis- 
pered to  Evan : 

"  It  is  almost  certain  the  Britishers  are  on  the 
floor  below.  This  Tory  has  the  key  of  the  door 
in  his  pocket " 

u  Surely  you  are  not  thinking  of  attempting 
to  make  your  way  down  past  all  those  who  have 
taken  possession  of  the  house  V 

"  By  no  means ;  yet  what  will  prevent  our 
venturing  into  some  of  the  chambers  nearby, 
where  perchance  we  shall  find  what  will  serve 
as  a  lever  to  remove  these  bars." 

Evan  seized  his  comrade's  hands  ecstatically. 
There  was  every  reason  to  believe  such  a  ven- 
ture might  be  made,  and  without   waiting  to 


SARAH   DILLARB'S  RIDE.  87 

discuss  it  he  began  searching  Ephraim's  pockets 
for  the  key. 

This  was  [soon  found.  A  bulky  iron  instru- 
ment fashioned  by  hand,  and  mostlike  brought 
from  the  mother  country,  it  could  not  well  be 
concealed. 

Cautiously,  lest  the  slightest  grating  of  the 
iron  should  give  the  alarm,  the  boys  shot  the 
bolt  back ;  the  door  was  opened,  and  they  were 
at  last  free  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  house. 

It  was  not  safe  to  loiter  in  their  work,  how- 
ever, for  at  any  moment  some  one  might  come 
from  below  to  ascertain  what  Ephraim  was  do- 
ing, and  the  boys  moved  as  swiftly  as  they  did 
noiselessly  until,  when  hardly  more  than  a 
minute  had  elapsed,  they  had  in  their  posses- 
sion such  tools  as  it  seemed  positive  would 
enable  them  to  effect  the  purpose. 

An  old  musket  barrel,  and  a  strip  of  oak 
which  went  to  make  up  a  quilting-frame,  were 
the  articles  which    the  lads  brought  into  the 


88  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

room,  carefully  barring  the  door  behind  them 
and  replacing  the  key  in  Ephraim's  pocket. 

These  implements  would  serve  to  pry  off  the 
bars  of  the  window,  but  whether  it  might  be 
done  silently  or  not  was  a  matter  that  could 
only  be  determined  by  experiment. 

The  helpless  spy  was  watching  their  every 
movement,  and  by  bending  over  him  now  and 
then  the  lads  could  see,  even  in  the  gloom,  an 
expression  of  anger  in  his  eyes. 

He  must  have  realized  now  that  the  chances 
in  favor  of  their  escape  were  brought  about 
wholly  through  his  desire  to  gloat  over  those 
whom  he  believed  were  in  his  power. 

It  can  readily  be  believed,  however,  that  the 
two  lads  did  not  spend  much  time  upon  the 
spy.  Had  there  been  a  possibility  of  taking 
him  with  them,  they  would  have  run  many 
risks  in  order  to  accomplish  such  a  purpose;  but 
since  that  was  out  of  the  question,  and  he 
powerless  for  harm   during  a  certain  time  at 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  89 

least,  they  could  not  afford  to  waste  precious 
moments  upon  him. 

"  I  will  use  this  bar  as  a  lever,  and  do  you 
stand  by  with  the  musket-barrel  to  hold  such 
advantage  as  may  be  gained,"  Nathan  said.  "It 
is  reasonable  to  suppose  there  will  be  some 
creaking  as  the  nails  are  forced  out ;  but  that  we 
cannot  prevent." 

"  Work  as  cautiously  as  may  be  possible,  for 
we  have  ample  time." 

The  lower  bar  was  within  three  inches  of  the 
window-ledge,  and  upon  this  Nathan  determined 
to  direct  his  efforts,  since  it  would  probably  be 
the  most  easily  removed. 

The  stout  quilting- frame  was  inserted  be- 
neath it  edgewise,  which  brought  one  end  some 
distance  into  the  room,  the  window-ledge  serv- 
ing as  a  fulcrum. 

Evan  stood  near  at  hand,  ready  with  the 
musket-barrel  in  case  a  shorter  lever  could  be 
used  to  better  advantage,  and,  after  listening 


90  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

for  an  instant  to  make  certain  that  none  of  the 
enemy  were  nearabout  on  the  outside,  the  boys 
began  that  work  which  it  was  hoped  would 
open  the  door  to  freedom. 

Slowly  and  steadily  the  bar  was  raised  up- 
ward as  the  hand-fashioned  nails  bent  under  the 
strain,  and  then  came  a  creaking  as  the  iron  was 
drawn  through  the  wood;  not  loud,  but  sound- 
ing in  the  ears  of  the  anxious  lads  to  be  of  such 
volume  that  it  seemed  positive  an  alarm  would 
be  given. 

Both  ceased  their  efforts,  and  stood  near  the 
window  listening. 

No  unusual  sounds  betokened  that  the  red- 
coats had  heard  the  warning;  noise. 

All  was  still  save  for  the  sounds  of  revelry 
in  the  apartment  below,  and  the  hum  of  the 
soldiers'  voices  nearabout  the  stables  on  the 
other  side  of  the  dwelling. 

"  Try  it  again,"  Evan  whispered  with  fever- 
ish  eagerness.     "  We  have  raised  it  half  an  inch 


Nathan  did  as  his  comrade  suggested,  and  save  for  a  slight  creaking  now  and 
then,  the  work  was  carried  on.— Page  91, 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  91 

already,  and  as  much  more  of  a  strain  will  leave 
it  in  such  shape  that  it  can  be  readily  pushed 
aside.1' 

Nathan  did  as  his  comrade  suggested,  and 
save  for  a  slight  creaking  now  and  then,  the 
work  was  carried  on  in  almost  perfect  silence 
until  the  bar  hung  only  by  the  points  of  the 
nails. 

It  remained  simply  to  force  it  outward  with 
their  hands,  at  the  same  time  preventing  it  from 
falling  to  the  ground. 

With  this  removed,  the  aperture  would  be 
sufficiently  large  to  admit  of  their  crawling 
through,  and  the  time  had  come,  thanks  to  the 
spy  who  would  have  taken  their  lives  had  his 
power  been  sufficient,  that  they  might  follow  on 
the  trail  of  Sarah  Dillard  to  Greene's  Spring, 
if  her  mad  ride  had  not  led  her  to  death 
elsewhere. 

"  There  is  no  reason  why  we  should  waste 
any  time  here,"  Evan  said   hurriedly,  nervous 


92  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

now  that  the  moment  for  action  had  arrived. 
"  The  redcoats  may  come  at  any  moment  to  see 
how  their  spy  is  faring,  and  it  would  be  a  griev- 
ous disappointment  to  find  ourselves  checked 
at  the  instant  when  it  seems  as  if  we  were 
freed." 

"  I  have  got  just  one  word  to  say  to  that 
Tory  villain,  and  then  I  am  ready,"  Nathan  re- 
plied. "  Do  you  push  off  the  bar,  taking  good 
care  that  it  does  not  drop  from  your  hands, 
while  I  warn  him  of  what  will  surely  be  his 
fate  if  he  continues  on  the  road  he  has 
chosen." 

Evan  acted  upon  this  suggestion  as  Nathan 
kneeled  by  the  side  of  Ephraim  and  whis- 
pered : 

"You  can  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
that  we  would  yet  be  fast  prisoners  but  for 
your  having  come  to  bully  us.  Until  the 
moment  you  threatened  to  strike  I  had  no  idea 
escape  would  be  possible ;  but  the  opportunity 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  93 

has  arrived,  and  we  shall  take  advantage  of  it. 
Now  hark  you,  Master  Sowers,  and  remember 
all  I  say,  for  there  be  more  than  Evan  and  I 
who  will  carry  out  this  threat.  Continue  your 
spying  upon  the  Americans,  serve  the  British- 
ers longer,  and  you  shall  be  marked  for  what 
may  be  worse  than  death.  When  the  life  of 
such  as  you  is  necessary  in  the  cause  of  freedom 
no  one  would  hesitate  to  take  it,  coward  and 
sneak  though  you  be.  Turn  about  from  your 
ways  this  moment,  or  expect  that  the  hand  of 
every  Mountain  Man  and  every  American  sol- 
dier will  be  against  you." 

Ephraim  twisted  about  as  if  it  would  have 
pleased  him  right  well  could  he  have  spoken  at 
that  moment,  but  the  gag  choked  his  words,  and 
he  perforce  remained  silent  however  much  he 
would  have  liked  to  use  his  voice. 

Then  all  was  ready  for  the  flight. 

The  bar  had  been  removed,  and  Evan  stood 
beside  the  window  impatient  to  be  off,  fearing 


94  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

each  instant  lest  one  of  the  enemy  should  ascend 
the  stairs. 

"  Go  you  ahead,"  Nathan  whispered,  "  and  if 
when  you  reach  the  ground  the  redcoats  appear, 
do  your  best  to  make  good  your  escape,  think- 
ing not  of  me." 

"  I  will  never  desert  a  comrade." 

"  You  must  in  this  case,  if  it  so  be  oppor- 
tunity for  flight  presents  itself.  It  is  not  your 
life  nor  mine,  Evan,  which  is  of  moment  now. 
"We  must  remember  only  those  who  are  in  such 
great  peril,  for  I  have  many  doubts  as  to 
whether  Sarah  Dillard  can  force  that  colt  over 
the  mountain  road.  Hesitate  no  longer ;  but 
set  out,  and  from  this  instant  cease  to  think  of 
anything  save  that  you  are  to  arrive  at  Colo- 
nel Clarke's  encampment  without  loss  of 
time. 

Thus  urged,  Evan  delayed  no  longer  than  was 
necessary,  but  a  certain  number  of  seconds  were 
spent  in  the  effort  to  force  his  body  through  the 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  95 

narrow  aperture,  because  of  the  awkward  posi- 
tion which  the  circumstances  demanded. 

With  Nathan's  help  he  pushed  his  feet 
through  first,  and  when  half  his  body  was  out- 
side, allowed  himself  to  slip  down  at  the  expense 
of  severe  scratching  from  the  bar,  which  yet 
remained  in  position  above,  until  he  hung  by 
his  hands  on  the  window-ledge. 

"  The  distance  is  not  great,"  Nathan  whispered 
encouragingly,  "  and  you  should  be  able  to  drop 
without  making  much  noise.  Do  not  speak 
once  you  are  on  the  ground ;  but  get  behind 
the  smaller  stable  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  if  in 
iive  minutes  I  do  not  join  you,  push  on  toward 
Greene's  Spring  alone." 

"You  will  not  delay ?" 

"Not  so  much  as  a  minute.     Now  drop." 

A  slight  jar,  such  as  might  have  been  made 
by  a  child  leaping  from  a  height  of  ten  feet, 
was  all  that  came  back  to  the  anxious  listener 
at  the  window  to  tell  of  his  comrade's  move- 


96  sarah  dillard's  ride. 

ments,  and  then  he  in  turn  set  about  following 
the  example. 

Now  it  was  that  Ephraim  made  strenuous 
efforts  to  free  himself. 

He  writhed  to  and  fro  on  the  floor  as  if  bend- 
ing all  his  energies  to  break  the  bonds  which 
confined  his  limbs,  and  so  fearful  was  Nathan 
lest  the  Tory  spy  should  succeed  in  his  purpose, 
that  he  turned  back  to  make  certain  the  boy 
was  yet  helpless. 

"  I  am  almost  tempted  to  pay  off  the  score 
'twixt  you  and  I  before  leaving ;  but  it  would 
be  cowardly  to  strike  one  who  is  helpless,  I 
suppose,"  the  lad  said  half  to  himself,  and  then 
turned  resolutely,  as  if  finding  it  difficult  to 
resist  the  temptation,  setting  off  on  the  road  to 
freedom. 

It  was  not  as  easy  to  force  himself  out  be- 
tween the  ledge  and  the  bar  as  in  the  case  of 
Evan,  because  of  his  being  considerably  larger, 
and  the   clothing  was   literally  torn  from   his 


sarah  dillard's  ride.  97 

back  before  he  was  finally  in  a  position  where 
nothing  more  was  required  than  to  drop  to  the 
ground. 

It  appeared  to  him  as  if  he  made  double  as 
much  noise  as  had  his  comrade,  and  before 
daring  to  creep  across  the  stable-yard  to  the 
rendezvous  agreed  upon,  he  remained  several 
seconds  on  the  alert  for  the  slightest  sound 
betokening  the  movements  of  the  Britishers. 

No  unusual  noise  came  upon  his  ear,  and 
saying  to  himself  that  it  was  hardly  possible  he 
and  Evan  had  succeeded  in  making  their  escape 
with  so  little  difficulty,  he  pushed  cautiously 
forward  until,  when  he  was  within  the  gloom 
of  the  building,  his  comrade  seized  him  by  the 
hands. 

This  was  no  time  for  conversation,  nor  was  it 
the  place  in  which  to  loiter.  Advantage  must 
be  taken  of  every  second  from  this  instant  until 
they  had  carried  the  warning  to  Colonel  Clarke's 
men,  or  learned   that  Sarah  Dillard   had  sue- 


98  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

ceeded  in  her  ride,  and  Nathan  pressed  Evan's 
hand  in  token  that  they  should  push  forward 
without  delay. 

The  direct  trail  was  well  defined,  and  the 
boys  struck  into  it  an  hundred  yards  or  more 
from  the  stable,  when  Nathan  whispered  tri- 
umphantly : 

"  Now  that  we  have  succeeded  in  making  our 
escape,  Evan,  it  is  only  a  question  of  endurance, 
and  we  must  not  think  of  self  until  after  having 
met  Sarah  Dillard,  or  had  speech  with  Colonel 
Clarke." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  99 


CHAPTER  V. 


SARAH     DILLARD 


Nathan  and  Evan  had  good  cause  for  self- 
congratulations. 

The  escape  had  been  accomplished  almost  as 
if  the  enemy  themselves  contributed  to  its  suc- 
cess, and  so  long  as  the  two  remained  within 
earshot  of  the  plantation,  nothing  was  heard  to 
betoken  that  their  flight  had  been  discovered. 

Thanks  to  the  fact  that  Ephraim  Sowers  had 
taken  it  upon  himself  to  wreak  a  little  private 
revenge  simply  because  the  lads  had  discovered 
his  true  nature,  the  Britishers  would  rest  con- 
tent, believing  their  prisoners  were  secure  under 
his  guard,  and  it  might  be  several  hours  before 
any  member  of   Major   Ferguson's  party  had 


100  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

sufficient  curiosity  to  inquire  regarding  the 
young  Tory's  absence. 

Unless,  perchance,  he  was  to  act  as  guide  for 
the  party  who  would  march  to  Greene's  Spring, 
neither  Englishman  nor  Tory  would  have  use 
for  the  spy  before  daylight,  and  it  was  quite 
within  the  range  of  possibility  that  he  might 
remain  gagged  and  bound  upon  the  floor  of  the 
improvised  prison  until  the  troop  was  ready  to 
resume  the  march  next  morning. 

Once  they  were  clear  of  the  dwelling  Nathan 
and  Evan  wasted  little  thought  on  Ephraim. 

When  the  time  should  come  that  they  might 
make  known  his  true  character  among  those  who 
had  befriended  the  lad,  then  would  they  remem- 
ber him  to  some  purpose ;  but  while  they  were 
pressing  forward  through  the  thicket  at  full 
speed,  now  catching  a  glimpse  of  the  footprints 
of  Sarah  Dillard's  horse,  and  again  being  con- 
vinced that  he  had  left  the  trail,  it  was  as  if 
Ephraim  had  no  existence. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  101 

Many  times  before  the  first  three  miles  of 
distance  had  been  traversed  did  they  speculate 
as  to  the  probable  time  when  Major  Ferguson 
would  send  forward  those  men  who  were  to 
butcher  or  capture  the  little  band  of  Americans 
at  the  Spring;  but  without  arriving  at  any 
definite  conclusion. 

From  the  Dillard  plantation  to  the  encamp- 
ment concerning  which  Ephraim  had  given 
information,  was  no  less  than  twenty  miles,  and 
in  case  the  horsemen  should  be  selected  to  do 
the  bloody  work,  about  three  hours  would  be 
required  for  the  journey. 

If  the  foot-soldiers  were  chosen  for  the  task, 
then  six  hours  would  be  none  too  long;  but 
neither  of  the  boys  believed  the  infantry  would 
take  part  in  the  proposed  maneuver,  otherwise 
the  men  would  most  likely  have  set  out  before 
dark. 

"  We  can  hold  certain  that  the  horsemen  will 
make  the  attack,  and  I  am  guessing  they  will 


102  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

not  start  before  eleven  o'clock  to-night.  They 
may  then  fall  upon  our  men  between  two  and 
three  in  the  morning,  when  it  is  said  sleep 
weighs  heaviest  upon  the  eyelids,  and  if  neither 
Sarah  Dillard  nor  we  succeed  in  getting  through 
to  give  the  alarm,  there  is  little  doubt  but  that 
all  under  Colonel  Clarke's  command  will  fall 
victims." 

"We  must  get  through,"  Evan  cried  with 
energy,  and  Nathan  added : 

"  We  shall  do  it,  lad;  never  you  fear,  for 
there  is  like  to  be  nothing  that  can  stop  us, 
unless  by  some  unfortunate  chance  the  troopers 
begin  their  journey  before  we  have  reckoned 
on." 

Then  once  more  the  boys  trudged  on  in 
silence  until,  perhaps  ten  minutes  later,  they 
were  brought  to  a  sudden  standstill  by  sounds 
in  the  distance  which  seemed  to  proclaim  the 
movement  of  some  heavy  body  through  the 
underbrush. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  103 

Unarmed  as  they  were,  flight  was  their  only 
defence,  and  the  two  bent  forward  in  the  atti- 
tude of  listeners,  keenly  on  the  alert  for  the  first 
indication  as  to  the  character  of  this  noisy 
traveler. 

At  one  moment  Nathan  would  announce 
positively  that  the  disturbance  was  caused  by 
some  animal,  and  again  he  felt  equally  certain 
he  could  hear  in  the  distance  the  sound  of 
human  voices. 

"  There  is  only  one  thing  of  which  I  am  fully 
convinced,"  he  said  after  being  thus  forced  to 
change  his  opinion  several  times.  "  Whoever 
may  be  out  there  yonder  is  a  stranger  in  this 
section  of  the  colony,  otherwise  he  would  be 
more  careful  in  proclaiming  his  whereabouts  in 
such  fashion." 

"  In  that  case  we  may  safely  venture  to  creep 
up  nearer,"  Evan  suggested.  "  So  far  as  I  can 
make  out,  that  disturber  of  the  peace  neither 
lessens  nor  increases  his  distance,  and  we  might 


104  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

wait  here  until  the  troopers  come  up  without 
being  any  the  wiser." 

To  this  Nathan  agreed,  and  the  two  advanced 
cautiously  pace  by  pace  until  suddenly,  and  at 
the  same  instant,  a  low  exclamation  of  surprise 
burst  from  the  lips  of  both. 

They  had  recognized  Sarah  Dillard's  voice, 
and  knew  without  waiting  for  further  proof 
that  her  mad  ride  had  come  to  a  sudden  and 
untimely  end. 

Now  the  two  pressed  forward  at  a  run,  slack- 
ening not  the  pace  until  they  were  where  such 
a  view  could  be  had  of  the  struggling  animal 
and  the  courageous  woman  as  was  possible  in 
the  gloom. 

a  Who  is  it  V  she  called,  hearing  the  advance 
of  the  boys,  and  there  was  a  ring  of  alarm  in 
her  tone  which  told  that  she  feared  the  redcoats 
might  have  pushed  forward  to  make  the 
attack. 

u  It  is  Nathan  Shelby  and  Evan  McDowells," 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  105 

the  former  cried,  and  gained  some  idea  of  the 
good  woman's  surprise  when  she  failed  for  a 
moment  to  speak. 

"  Step  out  here  where  I  may  see  you ;  but 
take  care  not  to  further  alarm  the  colt,"  she  said, 
distrusting  the  announcement  even  though  she 
recognized  the  voice. 

The  boys  obeyed,  and  when  Mrs.  Dillard  had 
the  proof  of  her  own  eyes  as  to  their  identit}7, 
she  demanded  to  be  told  how  they  had  suc- 
ceeded in  escaping. 

"  The  Britishers  must  have  left  the  planta- 
tion, otherwise  how  could  you  be  here  ?" 

"  If  Major  Ferguson's  troop  had  gone  we 
should  have  been  forced  to  accompany  them, 
else  Ephraim  Sowers  has  less  influence  than  he 
believes." 

Then,  without  waiting  for  further  question- 
ing, and  in  as  few  words  as  possible,  Nathan  ex- 
plained all,  so  far  as  he  knew,  that  had  taken 
place  at  the  plantation  immediately  after  the 


106  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

departure  of  Mrs.  Dillard,  asking  as  he  con- 
cluded the  story : 

"  Was  it  not  possible  for  you  to  keep  the  colt 
on  the  trail  ?" 

"  He  threw  me  when  he  got  nearabout  this 
point;  but  I  contrived  to  retain  hold  of  the 
bridle,  and  have  kept  him  with  me,  although 
thus  far  it  has  availed  me  little,  since  I  am  un- 
able to  remount." 

"Suppose  you  let  either  Evan  or  I  ride  him? 
There  will  be  less  likelihood  of  his  throwing 
one  of  us." 

"  I  question  if  you  could  come  so  near  doing 
it  as  I  can,  for  he  is  acquainted  with  me,  and 
would  not  allow  either  of  you  to  approach 
him." 

"I  can  ride  any  horse  that  another  can 
bridle,"  Nathan  replied  confidently,  as  he  went 
toward  the  colt,  who  during  this  brief  conversa- 
tion had  been  standing  comparatively  quiet. 

It  was  much  as  if  he  had  heard  the  rash  as- 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  107 

sertion,  and  was  determined  to  prove  it  false, 
for  the  boy  had  no  sooner  begun  to  advance  than 
he  reared  and  plunged  in  such  a  frantic  manner 
that  Mrs.  Dillard  well-nigh  lost  her  hold  of  the 
bridle. 

"  It  is  useless  for  you  to  attempt  it,"  she  said 
as  soon  as  the  animal  had  quieted  down  some- 
what. "  He  has  been  accustomed  to  no  one  but 
me,  and  because  I  had  been  able  to  lead  him  by 
the  halter,  did  I  venture  to  put  on  the  bridle." 

"  There  seems  little  chance  you  will  be  able 
to  mount,"  Evan  said  after  a  brief  pause,  "  and 
every  moment  increases  the  danger  to  those  at 
Greene's  Spring.  No  one  can  say  how  soon 
the  Britishers  may  set  out,  and  there  are  not 
less  than  eighteen  miles  to  be  traversed." 

"I  know  it,"  Mrs.  Dillard  cried  like  one 
nearly  frantic  with  apprehension.  "  I  know  it, 
and  yet  what  may  be  done  ?  It  is  certain  neither 
of  you  boys  can  come  as  near  managing  the  horse 
as  I,  and  yet,  I  am  unable  to  remount." 


108  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"  Would  you  venture  to  lead  him  back  ?" 

"To  what  end?" 

"  Evan  and  I  might  push  forward  on  foot, 
trusting  to  getting  through  in  time." 

"  And  there  is  little  chance  you  could  suc- 
ceed, lads.  Eighteen  miles  over  this  rough  road 
would  require  certainly  no  less  than  six  hours, 
and  before  that  time  has  passed  the  redcoats 
must  have  overtaken  you." 

Then  Mrs.  Dillard  turned  her  attention  to 
soothing  the  colt,  and  during  five  minutes  or 
more  the  boys  waited  with  ill-concealed  impa- 
tience as  he  alternately  advanced  to  receive  her 
caresses,  and  then  reared  and  plunged  when  she 
attempted  to  throw  her  arm  over  his  neck. 

"  It  is  better  we  push  ahead,  trusting  to  the 
poor  chance  of  arriving  in  time,  than  to  stand 
here  idle,"  Nathan  said  at  length.  UI  do  not 
believe  you  could  force  him  to  keep  the  trail 
even  though  you  succeed  in  remounting." 

"  It  must  be  done,"  Mrs.  Dillard  cried  sharply. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  109 

"  There  is  no  other  means  by  which  we  may  be 
certain  of  warning  those  who  are  in  danger, 
and  the  colt  shall  be  made  to  perform  his 
part." 

"How  can  we  help  you?" 

The  anxious  woman  looked  about  her  an  in- 
stant as  if  trying  to  decide  how  the  task  might  be 
accomplished,  and  then  she  said  in  the  tone  of 
one  who  ventures  upon  an  experiment : 

"  Suppose  you  two  come  up  gently  toward 
him,  one  on  each  side,  with  the  idea  of  seizing 
him  by  the  bridle.  If  that  could  be  done,  and 
you  were  able  to  hold  him  a  few  seconds,  I 
promise  to  get  upon  his  back." 

"And  perhaps  only  to  have  your  brains 
dashed  out  the  next  instant." 

"  There  is  no  reason  why  we  should  specu- 
late as  to  the  result.  I  must  mount  him,  boys, 
and  he  must  be  made  to  go  forward.  It  is  our 
only  hope,  and  when  so  many  lives  hang  in  the 
balance   it  surely  seems   as  if  the  good  Lord 


110  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

would  permit  that  I  should  do  what  at  this 
moment  appears  to  be  impossible." 

Neither  Evan  nor  Nathan  believed  they  could 
on  foot  traverse  the  distance  which  lay  between 
them  and  Greene's  Spring  before  the  Britishers 
should  arrive,  and  yet  at  the  same  time  they 
had  little  hope  the  restive  animal  would  be 
brought  into  submission  ;  but  at  the  moment  it 
seemed  to  be  the  only  alternative,  and  without 
delay  they  set  about  acting  upon  Mrs.  Dillard's 
suggestion. 

Making  a  short  detour  through  the  bushes, 
they  came  up  one  his  flank,  on  either  side,  while 
the  animal  reared  and  plunged  until  it  seemed 
certain  he  would  shake  off  the  woman's  hold 
upon  the  bridle.  Then  with  a  sudden  dash 
both  boys  gained  his  head  at  the  same  instant, 
and  this  much  of  the  work  was  accomplished. 

Now  the  animal  redoubled  his  efforts  to  es- 
cape, frightened  by  the  touch  of  strangers  ;  but 
the  boys  held  bravely  on,  at  times  raised  high 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  Ill 

from  the  ground,  until  it  became  a  question  as 
to  whether  the  bridle  would  stand  the  strain 
which  was  put  upon  it. 

"Don't  let  go,"  Nathan  cried  as  the  colt  made 
a  more  furious  leap,  forcing  Evan  to  jump 
quickly  aside  lest  he  be  struck  by  the  animal's 
hoofs.  "  Don't  let  go,  and  we  may  possibly  so 
far  tire  him  out  that  Mrs.  Dillard  can  mount." 

a  She  could  not  ride  this  beast  even  though 
he  was  saddled,"  Evan  muttered,  now  losing  all 
hope  that  the  message  might  be  delivered  in 
time. 

During  suck  while  as  the  boys  had  been 
struggling  with  the  colt,  Mrs.  Dillard  stood 
dangerously  near  his  flanks,  watching  for  an 
opportunity,  and  Evan  had  no  more  than  uttered 
his  gloomy  prediction  when,  clutching  the 
animal's  mane  with  her  left  hand,  she  vaulted 
on  to  kis  back,  seizing  the  bridle  as  she 
leaped. 

"  Now  if  you  can  head  him  up  the  trail,  you 


112  SARAH  DILLARDS'  RIDE. 

may  let  go,"  she  said  hurriedly ;  but  Nathan 
was  not  minded  Captain  Dillard's  wife  should 
ride  to  what  seemed  almost  certain  death  with- 
out another  protest  from  him. 

"  The  colt  is  maddened  by  his  struggles  with 
us,  and  in  far  more  dangerous  a  condition  than 
when  you  first  mounted.  It  is  madness  to 
think  of  attempting  to  make  your  way  through 
the  thicket  in  the  darkness.  I  implore  you  to 
give  over  the  attempt,  and  let  us  press  on  as 
best  we  may  afoot." 

"  Now  you  are  asking  that  I  leave  these  brave 
men,  and  among  them  my  husband,  to  be  sur- 
prised by  an  enemy  that  knows  no  mercy,  for  it 
is  positive  you  could  not  get  through  in  time. 
Turn  the  colt,  if  it  so  be  you  can,  and  once  he 
is  headed  in  the  right  direction,  jump  aside." 

"  Shall  we  do  it  ?"  Evan  asked,  for  even  now 
it  was  in  his  mind  to  disobey  the  brave  woman's 
commands. 

"  Ay,  I  see  no  other  course,"  Nathan  replied, 


The  colt  darted  forward  at  full  speed  with  Mrs  Dillard,  —  Page  113, 


sarah  Dillard's  ride.  113 

and  then  he  devoted  all  his  energies  toward 
carrying  out  her  instructions. 

Not  less  than  five  minutes  were  spent  in  the 
battle  between  the  boys  and  the  animal,  and 
then  the  former  were  the  conquerers  so  far  as 
having  turned  him  around  was  concerned. 

"  Now  stand  ready  to  let  him  go,  and  leap 
back  out  of  the  wray,"  Mrs.  Dillard  cried. 
"  Then  do  you  press  on  at  your  best  speed  in 
case  I  am  thrown  again,  and  forced  to  give  over 
this  method  of  traveling." 

11  Are  you  ready  ?"  Evan  cried. 

(l  Ay,  when  you  say  the  word." 

"  Let  go !" 

As  the  boys  leaped  back  the  colt  darted  for- 
ward at  full  speed,  wildly  lashing  out  with  his 
hind  feet,  and  in  a  twinkling  the  animal  and 
his  rider  were  lost  to  view  in  the  gloom. 

"  She  will  have  earned  Captain  Dillard's  life, 
whether  it  be  saved  or  not;  but  it  will  be  at 
the  expense  of  her  own,  for  there  is  not  a  man 


114  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

in  the  Carolinas  who  can  keep  that  beast  on  this 
mountain  trail." 

"  It  would  have  been  better  if  we  had  not 
met  her,"  Evan  said  gloomily,  "for  then  she 
would  have  been  forced  to  go  back,  instead  of 
riding  to  her  death  as  she  is  now  doing." 

To  this  Nathan  made  no  reply,  and  while  one 
might  have  counted  twenty  the  two  lads  stood 
on  the  trail  in  the  darkness  as  if  there  was  noth- 
ing more  for  them  to  do  this  night. 

It  was  Evan  who  first  aroused  himself  to  a  full 
realization  of  the  situation,  and  he  said,  much 
like  one  who  awakes  from  a  troubled  dream : 

"  It  is  not  for  us  to  waste  precious  time  here, 
Nathan.  Believing  that  Sarah  Dillard  cannot 
gain  Greene's  Spring,  we  must  press  forward  at 
the  best  of  our  ability,  for  there  is  a  slight  hope 
we  may  arrive  in  time  to  give  the  alarm, 
although  it  hardly  seems  possible  at  this 
moment." 

"  You  are  right,  Evan,  and  from  this  instant 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  115 

there  shall  be  no  halting,"  Nathan  cried,  as  he 
set  out  with  a  regular,  swinging  gait,  which 
promised  to  carry  him  at  a  speed  of  not  less 
than  three  miles  an  hour. 

Now,  being  fully  convinced  that  the  safety  of 
Colonel  Clarke's  men  depended  entirely  upon 
themselves,  they  hastened  onward  without 
thought  of  fatigue,  making  no  halt  save  now 
and  then  when  they  stopped  to  refresh  them- 
selves with  water  from  a  mountain  stream, 

The  gloom  was  now  so  dark  that  it  was  im- 
possible to  distinguish  any  imprints  on  the 
trail,  and,  consequently,  the  lads  could  form  no 
idea  as  to  whether  Sarah  Dillard  was  yet  keep- 
ing in  the  direct  course,  or  if  the  colt  swerved 
from  one  side  to  the  other,  carrying  her  amid 
the  underbrush,  where  she  must  inevitably  be 
killed.  Until  they  believed  midnight  was 
come  Nathan  and  Evan  had  pressed  steadily 
forward,  and  then  came  that  sound  which  told 
them  all  their  efforts  were  vain. 


116  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

From  the  rear  could  be  heard  faintly  the 
sound  of  horses'  hoofs,  and  involuntarily  the 
two  halted. 

"  The  Britishers  are  coming !"  Evan  whis- 
pered, and  Nathan's  voice  was  tremulous  as  he 
replied : 

"They  started  even  sooner  than  I  feared,  and 
all  our  efforts  are  vain  so  far,  for  it  is  not  less 
than  six  miles  from  here  to  Greene's  Spring." 

"And  our  friends  will  be  butchered  !" 

"There  is  hardly  one  chance  in  a  hundred 
but  that  the  surprise  will  be  complete,  in  which 
case  we  know  what  must  be  the  result." 

They  had  ceased  to  believe  in  even  the  possi- 
bility that  Sarah  Dillard  might  have  accom- 
plished the  journey  in  safety,  and  accepted 
it  as  a  fact  that  the  plans  of  the  enemy,  laid  on 
information  brought  by  Ephraim  Sowers,  would 
be  carried  through  successfully. 

Nearer  and  nearer  came  the  horsemen  until 
the  two  lads  could  hear  the  hum  of  conversation 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  11? 

among  the  men  before  they  realized  the  necessity 
of  concealing  themselves. 

No  good  could  be  accomplished,  so  far  as 
those  at  Greene's  Spring  were  concerned,  by 
their  capture,  and  it  was  reasonable  to  suppose 
much  harm  might  come  to  themselves  after  they 
were  carried  back  to  where  Ephraim  Sowers 
might  wreak  his  vengeance  upon  them. 

Until  this  evening  the  young  Tory  had  had 
no  cause  for  enmity  save  on  account  of  their 
having  discovered  his  true  character ;  but  now7, 
after  remaining  gagged  and  bound  a  certain 
number  of  hours,  he  must  be  panting  for  re- 
venge, and  it  might  be  that  Major  Ferguson 
would  not  check  him. 

So  long  had  they  thus  remained  as  if  dazed 
that  there  was  hardly  time  to  conceal  them- 
selves in  the  underbrush  a  few7  feet  distant  from 
the  trail  before  the  foremost  of  the  horsemen 
came  into  view. 

The  enemy  were  riding  in  couples,  and  from 


118  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

Lis  hiding-place  Evan  counted  ninety  pairs  of 
riders  before  the  whole  of  the  troop  had  passed. 

Then  it  seemed  as  if  fortune  was  determined 
to  play  her  most  scurvy  trick  upon  these  two 
lads,  whose  one  desire  was  to  save  the  lives  of 
their  friends. 

Evan,  who  had  crouched  on  one  knee  when 
he  first  sank  behind  the  bushes,  endeavored 
to  change  his  position  in  order  to  relieve  the 
strain  upon  his  limb,  and  by  so  doing  slipped 
on  a  rotten  branch,  which  broke  beneath  his 
weight  with  a  report  seemingly  as  loud  as  that 
of  a  pistol-shot. 

Instantly  the  troopers  halted  immediately 
opposite,  and  oefore  the  boys  could  have  taken 
refuge  in  flight,  two  having  dismounted,  plunged 
into  the  underbrush. 

All  this  had  been  done  so  quickly  that  the 
fugitives  literally  had  no  time  to  flee,  and  hardly 
more  than  thirty  seconds  elapsed  from  the 
breaking   of    the   twig    until    each    lad    was 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  119 

held  roughly  and  firmly  in  the  clutch  of  a 
soldier. 

"  What's  wrong  in  there  ?"  an  officer  from  the 
trail  shouted,  and  one  of  the  captors  replied  as 
he  dragged  his  prey  out  into  the  open: 

"  We  have  found  a  couple  of  young  rebels, 
and  they  look  much  like  the  two  we  left  behind 
us  at  the  plantation." 

Word  was  passed  ahead  for  the  entire  troop 
to  halt,  and  an  officer  whom  the  boys  afterward 
recognized  as  a  Tory  by  the  name  of  Dunlap, 
who  held  the  king's  commission  as  colonel,  came 
riding  back. 

"Who  are  you?"  he  asked  as  the  troopers 
forced  their  prisoners  in  front  of  them  on 
the  trail  where  they  might  most  readily  be 
seen. 

"Nathan  Shelby  and  Evan  McDowells." 

"  How  is  it  you  are  here  ?  Are  you  not  the 
same  who  were  taken  prisoners  this  evening  and 
confined  in  the  Dillard  house  ?" 


120  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"  We  are,"  Nathan  replied  without  hesitation. 

"How  did  you  escape?" 

"Epliraim  Sowers  was  sent,  or  came  of  his 
own  will,  to  make  us  march  around  the  room 
by  way  of  punishment." 

"No  such  orders  as  that  could  have  been 
given  by  Major  Ferguson." 

"  I  know  not  how  that  may  be ;  but  Ephraim 
acted  the  part  of  jailer,  and  commanded  us  to 
do  his  bidding,  which  was  none  other  than  that 
we  march  around  the  room  even  though  we  had 
been  afoot  all  day." 

"  That  doesn't  explain  how  you  escaped  ?" 

"Ephraim  was  unarmed,  but  threatened  to 
strike  us  when  we  refused.  The  result  was  the 
same  as  if  almost  any  one  else  had  been  in  our 
position.  We  made  Ephraim  a  prisoner,  and 
then,  by  forcing  off  one  of  the  wooden  bars, 
slipped  out  of  the  window." 

"Then  the  boy  is  yet  there?"  the  colonel 
said,  as  if  in  surprise  that  such  should  be  the  case. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  121 

"Ay,  if  he  has  not  been  released.  We  left 
him  safely  enough." 

Nathan  believed  that  he  and  Evan  would  be 
roughly  treated  so  soon  as  that  which  they  had 
done  was  made  known ;  but  the  troopers  ap- 
peared to  think  it  a  laughing  matter,  and  even 
the  colonel  who  was  in  charge  of  the  detach- 
ment did  not  look  upon  it  with  any  great  degree 
of  severity,  for  he  said  after  a  brief  pause : 

"Ephraim  must  remain  where  he  is  until  our 
return,  and  perhaps  after  this  night  he  will  be 
more  careful  when  he  puts  himself  into  the 
power  of  his  enemies.  You  who  have  taken 
the  prisoners  shall  guard  them  until  we  have 
finished  our  work,  and  then  it  is  likely  we  will 
have  more  to  keep  them  company.  Mount,  and 
see  to  it  that  the  rebels  do  not  make  their  escape 
again." 

The  troopers  obeyed,  pulling  the  two  lads 
after  them  into  the  saddle,  with  many  a  threat 
as  to  what  would  be  the  result  if  there  was  any 


122  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

resistance,  until  Nathan  said,  but  without  show 
of  temper  or  impatience : 

"  We  are  willing  to  ride,  and  shall  not  be  so 
foolish  as  to  resist  when  the  odds  are  so  strongly 
against  us."" 

"  We  are  not  in  the  humor  to  put  up  with 
any  more  rebel  tricks  this  night,  and  at  the  first 
show  of  an  attempt  to  escape  I  shall  use  my 
knife  in  a  way  that  won't  be  pleasant,"  the 
trooper  replied  as  he  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and 
the  detachment  rode  three  or  four  miles  further 
before  slackening  pace. 

Then  they  were  come  in  the  vicinity  of 
Greene's  Spring,  and  the  boys  who  had  already 
braved  so  much  in  the  hope  of  being  able  to 
warn  their  friends  in  danger,  believed  that  the 
time  was  very  near  at  hand  when  they  must  per- 
force see  Colonel  Clarke's  men  ruthlessly  cut 
down  or  captured. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  123 


CHAPTER  VI. 


geeene's   spring 


Many  wild  plans  came  into  Nathan's  mind 
during  the  short  time  the  main  body  of  the  de- 
tachment were  halted  while  skirmishers  went 
ahead  to  ascertain  if  Ephraim  had  correctly 
described  the  situation  of  affairs. 

It  seemed  to  him  at  this  moment  as  if  he 
must  do  something  toward  warning  the  friends 
of  freedom  of  the  danger  which  menaced,  and 
was  ready  to  act,  whatever  might  be  the  cost 
to  him. 

Once  he  said  to  himself  that  he  would  wait 
until  they  were  come  nigh  to  the  encampment, 
and  then  he  and  Evan  should  cry  aloud  at  the 
full  strength  of   their  lungs,  even  though  the 


124  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

Britishers  killed  them  an  instant  later— their 
lives  would  count  for  but  little  if  these  others 
who  were  so  necessary  to  the  colonists  might  be 
saved. 

A  moment's  reflection  served  to  convince  him 
that  such  a  plan  was  impracticable,  and  in  cast- 
ing it  aside  he  came  to  believe  that  possibly  he 
and  Evan  might  succeed  in  getting  hold  of  one 
of  the  troopers'  muskets  sufficiently  long  to 
discharge  it. 

Anything  which  would  make  noise  enough 
to  arouse  the  sleeping  men  might  answer  his 
purpose,  and  yet  he  racked  his  brain  in  vain  to 
hit  upon  that  which  should  give  promise  of 
being  successful. 

Neither  he  nor  Evan  had  an  opportunity  for 
private  conversation.  The  two  troopers  held 
the  lads  six  or  eight  feet  from  each  other,  as  if 
suspecting  they  might  plot  mischief  if  allowed 
freedom  of  speech,  and  therefore  it  was  they 
had  no  opportunity  of  comparing  plans  which 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  125 

had  for  their  end  only  the  welfare  of  Colonel 
Clarke's  forces. 

At  the  expiration  of  ten  minutes  word  was 
passed  along  the  line  for  the  men  to  advance 
slowly,  and  every  precaution  was  taken  as  the 
command  was  obeyed,  to  prevent  even  so  much 
as  the  rattle  of  their  accoutrements,  lest  by  such 
means  the  Americans  be  apprised  of  the  horri- 
ble fate  in  store  for  them. 

Soon  the  detachment  was  come  within  a  quar- 
ter of  a  mile,  as  nearly  as  Evan  and  Nathan 
could  judge,  of  the  spot  Colonel  Clarke  had 
selected  for  the  encampment,  and  now  no  man 
spoke  above  a  whisper. 

"This  is  serious  business  on  which  we  are 
bent  this  night,"  the  trooper  who  held  Nathan 
captive  whispered  threateningly,  and  standing 
so  near  Evan  that  he  also  might  overhear  the 
words,  "and  the  lives  of  two  boys  like  you 
would  not  be  allowed  to  come  betwixt  us  and 
our  purpose.     Therefore  take  heed,  lads,  that 


128  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

our  orders  are  to  kill  you  in  cold  blood  rather 
than  allow  any  alarm  to  be  given.  Wow  if  it 
so  chanced  that  you  struck  your  foot  against  ray 
musket,  or  shouted,  or  did  anything  to  break 
the  silence,  I  should  consider  it  my  duty  to 
obey  the  commands,  and  as  soon  as  might  be 
one  or  both  of  you  would  be  past  all  danger. 
Take  an  old  soldier's  advice,  and  make  the  best 
of  a  bad  matter.  It  is  no  longer  possible  you 
can  warn  your  friends,  and  the  most  you  could 
accomplish  would  be  your  own  death." 

There  was  little  need  for  the  trooper  to  make 
this  plain  statement  of  the  situation,  for  both 
the  boys  understood  full  well  how  summarily 
they  would  be  dealt  with  in  case  they  failed  to 
obey  any  orders  given  by  the  men. 

Now  whispered  commands  came  down  the 
line  for  the  soldiers  to  dismount,  and  for  every 
fifth  trooper  to  remain  in  the  rear  to  care  for 
the  horses. 

When  this  command  had  been  obeyed,  and 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  127 

the  animals  tied  with  their  heads  together  in 
groups  of  five,  it  was  found  that  the  man  who 
held  Evan  prisoner  was  thus  detailed  to  care 
for  the  animals,  while  his  comrade  belonged  to 
the  force  which  would  advance. 

Therefore  it  was  that  Nathan's  captor  turned 
him  over  to  the  other  trooper,  saying  as  he 
did  so: 

"If  you  have  any  doubts  as  to  being  able  to 
keep  these  young  rebels  in  proper  subjection,  I 
will  truss  them  up  before  leaving;  but  it  seems 
to  me  one  Englishman  can  care  for  five  horses 
and  two  boys,  without  any  very  great  amount 
of  difficulty." 

"  I  am  not  afraid  but  that  it  can  be  done 
after  some  sort  of  fashion,  yet  I  had  rather  not 
kill  a  lad  even  though  he  be  a  rebel,  so  if  it  is 
all  the  same  to  you,  pass  a  couple  of  those 
saddle-straps  over  their  arms,  and  I'll  be  more 
certain  of  keeping  them  here  without  using  a 
bullet." 


128  SARAH  DILLARD^S   RIDE. 

The  trooper  did  as  he  was  requested,  and  the 
boys  were  fettered  in  such  a  manner  as  pre- 
cluded all  possibility  of  escape. 

With  both  arms  stretched  to  their  sides  flight 
was  out  of  the  question,  and  the  hearts  of  the 
lads  were  heavy  in  their  breasts,  for  they  must 
remain  in  the  rear  while  the  redcoats  went  on 
to  do  the  slaughtering. 

"  I  could  kill  Ephraim  Sowers  and  never  be- 
lieve I  had  committed  a  murder,"  Nathan  whis- 
pered when  the  two,  placed  back  to  back,  were 
fastened  to  a  convenient  tree.  "  All  the  blood 
spilled  this  night  will  be  upon  his  head,  and 
that  brave  men  should  meet  their  death 
through  such  as  him  makes  it  all  the  more 
pitiful." 

"  There  is  a  chance  Sarah  Dillard  succeeded 
in  getting  through  to  the  Spring,"  Evan  whis- 
pered in  a  tremulous  tone. 

"  I  cannot  believe  it.  The  captain  himself 
would  never  have  made  such  a  doubtful  venture, 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  129 

and  surely  a  woman  could  not  succeed  where  he 
must  have  failed." 

Now  those  of  the  troopers  who  had  Dot  been 
detailed  to  the  care  of  the  horses,  were  ordered 
forward,  and  soon  only  the  animals,  with  per- 
haps twenty  men  to  guard  them,  remained  in 
this  portion  of  the  thicket. 

Not  a  sound  betrayed  the  movements  of  the 
redcoats  as  they  advanced  to  do  what  seemed 
little  less  than  murder. 

Even  the  boys,  knowing  how  many  were 
making  their  way  through  the  underbrush, 
listened  in  vain  for  the  slightest  noise  which 
should  tell  of  the  progress.  A  band  of  Indians 
could  hardly  have  moved  more  stealthily,  and 
unless  the  members  of  the  little  encampment 
were  already  on  the  alert,  the  doom  of  all  was 
sealed. 

The  suspense  of  the  boys  became  so  great  as 
the  moments  passed  that  they  could  not  carry 
on    a   conversation.       Speculations    were    vain 


130  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

when  in  a  few  seconds  the  dreadful  reality 
wo  aid  be  upon  them,  and  their  hearts  beat  so 
violently  that  it  was  as  if  the  blood  must  burst 
from  their  veins. 

The  seconds  passed  like  moments,  and  yet  all 
too  swiftly  as  the  lads  realized  what  time  must 
bring  to  their  friends. 

It  seemed  to  Nathan  as  if  they  had  remained 
there  silent  and  motionless  fully  an  hour  listen- 
ing for  the  first  sound  of  the  conflict,  or  the 
massacre,  whichever  it  might  be,  and  yet  all 
was  as  silent  as  when  the  troopers  left. 

He  began  to  fancy  that  both  Sarah  Dillard 
and  Ephraim  Sowers  had  been  mistaken  in 
believing  Colonel  Clarke's  men  were  encamped 
at  the  Spring,  and  when  this  thought  had  grown 
in  his  mind  until  it  was  almost  a  well-defined 
hope,  the  first  musket-shot  rang  out. 

"The  murderers  have  begun,"  he  said  to  his 
comrade  in  a  voice  so  choked  by  emotion  that 
the  words  sounded  strange  and  indistinct. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  131 

Then  came  a  volley — a  second  and  a  third, 
and  the  troopers  who  held  the  horses  started  in 
astonishment,  perhaps  fear,  for  this  was  not  the 
absolute  surprise  on  which  they  had  counted. 

Now  the  rattle  of  musketry  increased  until 
there  could  be  no  question  but  that  it  was  a 
conflict,  and  not  a  massacre,  which  was  taking 
place. 

By  some  means  the  patriots  had  been  warned 
in  due  season,  and  were  ready  to  meet  the  foe, 
as  they  ever  had  been. 

"It  is  Sarah  Dillard's  ride  that  has  saved 
them  !"  Evan  exclaimed  as  if  questioning  the 
truth  of  his  own  statement,  and  straightway 
Nathan  fell  to  weeping,  so  great  was  the  relief 
which  came  upon  him  as  he  realized  that  the 
friends  of  freedom  had  been  prepared  for  the  foe. 

The  troopers  nearabout  the  boys  were  so 
excited  and  astonished,  because  what  they  had 
counted  on  as  being  a  complete  surprise  proved 
to  have  been  a  failure,  that  no  one  heard  Evan's 


132  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

remark,  and  the  prisoners  could  have  shouted 
for  very  joy  when  the  men  began  speculating 
one  with  the  other  as  to  how  word  might  have 
been  sent  to  the  patriots. 

"  It  is  certain  they  were  ready  to  receive  us," 
one  man  said  as  if  in  anger  because  the  plan  was 
miscarrying.  "That  firing  is  being  done  by 
men  who  were  ready  for  battle  as  were  ours. 
There  has  been  a  traitor  in  the  camp." 

"  How  might  that  be  ?"  another  asked  fiercely. 
"  At  the  last  halting-place  we  were  twenty 
miles  from  the  rebel  encampment,  and  certain 
it  is  no  one  could  have  ridden  ahead  of  us." 

"These  two  boy  did  succeed  in  escaping, 
despite  the  fact  that  Major  Ferguson  believed 
them  to  be  safe  in  the  chamber  of  the  dwelling." 

"Ay;  but  what  does  that  prove?  We  over- 
took them  on  the  way,  and  surely  you  cannot 
claim  that  they  might  have  walked  twenty 
miles  from  the  time  of  escaping  until  they  were 
recaptured  ?" 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  133 

The  rattle  of  musketry  increased,  and  to  the 
eager  ears  of  the  boys  it  seemed  as  if  the  noise 
of  the  conflict  was  approaching,  which  would 
indicate  that  the  Britishers  were  being  driven 
back. 

"Does  it  appear  to  you  as  if  we  heard  those 
sounds  more  clearly  V  Nathan  asked,  hoping 
he  had  not  been  mistaken,  and  yet  feeling  al- 
most certain  the  patriots  could  do  but  little 
more  than  hold  their  own. 

"  I  am  positive  of  it  I"  Evan  cried  with  a 
ring  of  joy  and  triumph  in  his  tone.  "  Now  and 
then  I  can  hear  voices  even  amid  the  tumult, 
and  that  was  impossible  five  minutes  ago." 

One  of  the  troopers,  overhearing  this  remark, 
said  to  his  comrade  gloomily : 

"  The  rebels  are  getting  the  best  of  us,  who 
counted  on  taking  them  completely  by  surprise." 

"  There  is  no  doubt  of  that,"  the  other  soldier 
replied,  and  straightway  the  men  began  making 
the  horses  ready  for  departure,  as  if  they  ex- 


134  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

pected  their  comrades  would  come  back  in  full 
flight,  and  need  the  means  of  continuing  it. 

When  five  minutes  more  had  passed  there 
was  no  longer  any  question  as  to  the  result  of 
the  combat. 

By  this  time  the  British  were  so  near  where 
the  horses  had  been  left  that  now  and  then  stray 
bullets  whistled  among  the  branches  above  the 
heads  of  the  prisoners,  and  the  two  lads  began 
debating  how  it  might  be  possible  for  them  to 
escape  when  the  troop  should  be  in  full  flight. 

However  kind  Fortune  had  been  to  the  Ameri- 
cans on  this  night,  she  was  not  so  indulgent  as 
to  give  the  lads  their  liberty. 

As  could  be  told  from  the  rattle  of  musketry, 
the  British  made  a  stand  after  fifteen  minutes' 
or  more  of  hot  fighting,  and  the  Americans, 
having  accomplished  as  much,  and,  perhaps^ 
even  more  than  they  had  expected,  were  willing 
the  invaders  should  draw  off  if  such  was  their 
disposition. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  135 

In  less  than  half  an  hour  from  the  time  they 
set  out  to  massacre  the  supposedly  sleeping  en- 
campment, the  redcoats  had  returned,  and,  stand- 
ing by  their  horses,  awaiting  the  command 
to  mount.  Now  it  was  that  even  in  the  gloom 
the  boys  could  see  how  many  of  the  animals 
were  without  riders. 

There  had  been  no  empty  saddles  w7hen  the 
troop  rode  up,  and  now  on  looking  around  there 
was  hardly  a  squad  of  horses  where  more  than 
two  out  of  five  had  a  man  standing  by  his  side. 

"The  slaughter  was  not  wholly  among  our 
friends,"  Evan  whispered  to  Nathan,  and  the 
latter,  bent  only  on  trying  to  escape,  said 
hurriedly : 

"  Think  of  nothing  but  yourself  just  now. 
There  must  be  a  chance  for  us  to  give  them  the 
slip  amid  all  this  confusion.1' 

He  had  no  more  than  spoken  before  one  of 
the  officers  came  up  and  asked  of  those  standing 
near  by : 


136  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"Who  had  charge  of  these  lads  ?" 

The  two  troopers  who  had  made  the  capture 
replied  to  the  question,  and  then  came  the 
order : 

"See  to  it  that  you  hold  them  fast.  There 
is  no  reason  why  your  own  beasts  should  cany 
double  while  there  are  so  many  spare  horses; 
but  lash  them  firmly  to  the  saddles,  for  Major 
Ferguson  must  have  speech  with  them  by  day- 
light." 

"  We  are  to  suffer  because  the  Britishers  have 
been  repulsed,"  Evan  whispered,  and  Nathan 
replied  manfully : 

"Much  can  be  endured,  knowing  as  we  do 
all  that  has  taken  place  this  night.  While  I 
am  not  hankering  to  come  into  the  power  of 
Ephraim  Sowers  again,  as  most  like  we  shall,  it 
will  be  less  painful  now  this  bloody  plan  has 
gone  awry." 

Considerable  time  wTas  spent  before  the  rem- 
nants of  the  detachment  began  the  return  march. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  137 

There  were  many  wounded  to  be  cared  for, 
and  a  number  so  badly  injured  that  they  must 
remain  behind.  Some  of  the  dead  were  to  be 
buried,  and  the  soldiers  who  had  fallen  nearest 
the  encampment  must  have  the  last  office 
performed  for  them  by  those  whom  they  would 
have  massacred. 

Finally  all  was  in  readiness. 

Nathan  and  Evan,  each  on  a  trooper's  horse 
with  his  feet  tied  beneath  the  saddle,  were  given 
a  place  just  in  advance  of  their  captors  and 
about  midway  of  the  troop. 

Colonel  Dunlap  and  his  officers  set  out  in 
advance. 

The  command  to  "march  "  was  given,  and  the 
crestfallen  redcoats  turned  their  faces  toward 
Captain  Dillard's  plantation. 

Now  it  was  impossible  for  the  prisoners  to 
speak  one  with  the  other;  during  four  hours 
they  endured  a  most  painful  journey,  bound  in 
such  manner  that  their  limbs  became  cramped, 


138  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

and  it  was  as  if  all  the  blood  in  their  bodies  had 
been  forced  toward  their  heads. 

The  lads  were  hardly  conscious  during  the 
last  hour  of  that  painful  march,  and  when, 
arriving  at  the  plantation,  the  ropes  were  un- 
loosed, they  would  have  fallen  to  the  ground 
but  for  the  assistance  of  those  who  guarded 
them. 

Ephraim  Sowers  was  awaiting  the  return  of 
those  who  had  o;oue  out  because  of  the  informa- 
tion  he  brought,  and  he  gave  vent  to  a  loud  cry 
of  vindictive  joy  when  he  saw  them  bringing 
the  two  he  most  desired  to  see. 

He  was  near  at  hand  when  the  prisoners 
reeled  helplessly  in  the  saddles,  and  as  they 
were  laid  upon  the  ground  the  young  spy 
advanced  as  if  to  kick  them ;  but  was  forced 
back  by  one  of  the  soldiers,  who  said  sharply : 

"  None  of  that,  you  young  renegade.  We 
who  wear  the  king's  uniform  are  not  a  band  of 
painted   savages;    but   men  who   fight    fairly, 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  139 

never  disgrace  themselves  by  striking  a  helpless 
or  an  unarmed  man." 

"  These  rebels  belong  to  me.  I  was  in  charge 
of  them  when  they  escaped,  and  shall  work  my 
will  on  them  !"  Ephraim  cried  in  a  rage  as  he 
attempted  to  force  himself  past  the  soldier. 

"  Not  while  I  am  standing  nearby,  unless  you 
have  Major  Ferguson's  written  permission,  and 
that  I  much  misdoubt  you  will  get." 

It  wras  useless  for  Ephraim  to  insist  that  these 
lads  were  his  special  property,  and  after  learn- 
ing that  some  of  the  men  looked  with  favor 
upon  his  intention  of  torturing  them  as  punish- 
ment for  their  having  escaped,  he  went  post 
haste  to  the  commander. 

Some  of  the  redcoats  had  given  the  prisoners 
water,  and  in  a  short  time  they  revived  suffi- 
ciently to  be  conscious  of  all  that  was  going  on 
about  them. 

It  was  at  the  moment  Ephraim  returned  that 
they  sat  upright,  and  to  their  surprise  he  made 


140  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

no  attack  upon  them,  but  contented  himself  by- 
say  in  g  threateningly: 

"  Before  this  day  comes  to  an  end  I  will  have 
got  even  with  you  for  last  night's  work,  and 
you  may  be  certain  I  shall  settle  the  score  with 
full  measure." 

"  Since  you  failed  in  sending  death  to  those 
at  Greene's  Spring,  we  can  well  afford  to  listen 
to  your  threats,"  Nathan  replied,  and  then  re- 
fused to  so  much  as  look  toward  the  spy. 

From  the  fact  that  Ephraim  lingered  nearby 
it  seemed  positive  he  must  have  received  some 
promise  regarding  the  custody  of  the  prisoners 
from  Major  Ferguson ;  but  yet  as  the  time 
passed  he  made  no  effort  to  interfere  with  them, 
and  when  the  detachment  had  been  at  the  plan- 
tation an  hour  or  more,  a  messenger  came  with 
,  orders  that  the  two  lads  be  taken  into  the  house, 
where  the  commander  would  have  speech  with 
them. 

"  Now  has  come  the  time  when  we  shall  see 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  141 

how  far  that  Tory  sneak  may  be  allowed  to  go," 
Nathan  whispered  to  his  comrade.  "Do  not 
give  him  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  we 
suffer,  whatever  he  may  find  an  opportunity  of 
doing." 

"  I  shall  keep  my  thoughts  on  Sarah  Dillard's 
ride  and  its  result,  and  then  all  pain  will  be 
blunted,"  Evan  replied,  after  which  the  two  fol- 
lowed limpingly  (for  the  blood  was  not  yet 
circulating  properly  in  their  veins)  the  messen- 
ger who  had  come  for  them. 

Major  Ferguson,  Colonel  Dunlap,  Captain 
Depuyster,  and  four  or  fiYe  other  officers  were 
in  the  dining-room  of  Captain  Dillard's  home 
when  the  boys  entered,  and  from  the  conversa- 
tion which  was  being  had  at  that  moment 
Nathan  believed  they  were  discussing  the  ques- 
tion of  how  Colonel  Clarke  might  have  been 
warned. 

This  supposition  seemed  to  be  correct  when 
the  major  asked  abruptly  : 


142  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

11  After  you  lads  escaped  from  this  building, 
did  you  meet  any  one  on  the  road  to  Greene's 
Spring?" 

For  an  instant  Nathan  hesitated  to  tell  that 
which  was  a  falsehood;  but  it  must  be  done  un- 
less he  would  betray  the  woman  whose  brave 
ride  of  the  night  previous  had  saved  so  many 
lives,  and  there  was  only  the  slightest  pause 
before  he  replied : 

"  From  the  time  we  got  away  from  Ephraim 
Sowers  until  your  men  recaptured  us,  we  saw 
no  person  save  those  who  belonged  to  the  plan- 
tation." 

"  When  did  you  last  see  the  mistress  of  the 
house,  Mrs.  Dillard  ?" 

"  We  saw  her  when  we  were  taken  upstairs.1' 

"  Did  you  have  any  further  communication 
with  her  ?" 

"  She  spoke  with  us  while  we  were  in  the 
room — she  standing  on  the  outside  of  the  locked 
door." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  143 

"  Will  you  swear  that  she  did  not  enter  the 
room  ?" 

"  Yes ;  for  if  she  had  been  able  to  do  that 
much,  I  have  no  doubt  she  would  have  aided 
us  to  escape." 

"Did  you  have  no  assistance  when  you  got 
out  of  the  room  which  had  been  converted  into 
a  prison  ?" 

"  None  except  from  your  spy,  Ephraim  Sow- 
ers," Nathan  replied,  and  then  he  told  of  the 
circumstances  of  the  affair,  showing  that  but 
for  the  young  Tory's  vindictiveness  the  boys 
would  yet  have  remained  in  confinement. 

"Will  you  swear  that  you  sent  no  word  to 
Colonel  Clarke's  forces  ?" 

11  Yes,  sir,"  both  the  lads  replied  at  the  same 
instant,  and  with  such  emphasis  that  there 
could  be  no  question  but  that  they  were  telling 
the  truth. 

Then  the  officer  questioned  them  concerning 
where  they  would  have  gone  but  for  having 


144  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

been  overtaken  by  the  troopers ;  inquired  con- 
cerning their  families,  and  such  other  seemingly 
unimportant  matters,  to  all  of  which  they  gave 
truthful  replies. 

Perhaps  twenty  minutes  had  thus  been  spent 
when  Major  Ferguson  turned  his  head  from 
them  as  if  the  interview  was  at  an  end,  and 
Nathan,  with  a  mind  fully  made  up  to  make 
known  the  threats  in  which  Ephraim  had 
indulged,   asked : 

"  Is  it  to  be,  sir,  that  the  boy  who  would  have 
ill-treated  us  when  we  were  supposed  to  be 
powerless,  will  have  an  opportunity  now  to  take 
his  revenge  ?" 

"  Who  gave  you  to  understand  anything  of 
the  kind  ?" 

"He  himself,  sir.  He  has  already  boasted 
that  we  shall  suffer  for  what  we  did  to  him, 
although  it  was  no  more  than  one  soldier  might 
do  to  another.  He  was  in  our  power,  and  we 
could  have  abused  him ;  yet  we  stayed  our  hands, 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  145 

save  so  far  as  to  put  him  in  such  condition  that 
an  alarm  could  not  be  given." 

"  I  ought  to  have  you  hanged  offhand." 

"  But  we  have  done  nothing,  sir,  save  to  escape 
from  one  who  would  have  tortured  us." 

"  You  are  rebels,  and  that  is  sufficient  reason 
why  you  merit  death ;  but  there  is  work  I  would 
have  you  do,  and  for  that  reason  your  lives  will 
be  spared.  I  wish  to  send  a  message  to  all 
those  rebels  round  about  who  are  now  in  arms 
against  the  king,  and  if  you  swear  to  faithfully 
repeat  my  words,  you  shall  go  free  from  this 
plantation  within  an  hour." 

The  boys  could  hardly  believe  their  ears 
wrere  not  deceiving  them. 

That  they  should  be  set  free  at  so  small  a 
price,  and  in  face  of  all  the  threats  Ephraim 
Sowers  had  made,  was  news  so  joyful  as  to  be 
incredible,  and  their  astonishment  was  such  that 
neither  made  reply  until  the  major  asked  im- 
patiently : 


146  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"  Well,  well,  do  you  refuse  to  do  even  that 
much  in  order  to  earn  your  liberty  ?" 

"  Indeed  we  do  not,  sir,"  Nathan  cried  eagerly. 
"We  are  willing  to  repeat  whatsoever  you  de- 
sire, and  to  as  many  as  you  shall  say,  no  matter 
how  far  it  may  be  necessary  to  travel." 

"Are  you  acquainted  with  all  the  rebel  leaders 
hereabouts  ?" 

"  With  nearly  all  of  them,  sir ;  and  I  promise 
that  Captain  Dillard,  Colonel  McDowells,  or 
Colonel  Campbell — all  three  gentlemen  with 
whom  we  have  acquaintance — will  put  us  on 
the  way  to  find  those  others  in  this  section." 

"And  you  swear  faithfully  to  repeat  every 
word  of  the  message  I  give  you,  to  each  of  those 
rebels  who  is  in  command  of  a  dozen  or  more 
men?" 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Mind,  I  am  saying  that  you  deserve  to  be 
hanged ;  but  at  the  same  time  I  am  in  need  of 
messengers,  and  believe  that  even  though  you 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  147 

are  among  the  enemies  to  the  king,  I  can  trust 
you  two." 

"  We  will  perform  all  that  we  promise,  sir." 

"And  see  to  it  that  you  do.  I  am  sent  into 
this  portion  of  the  Carolinas  by  General  Corn- 
wallis  to  crush  the  spirit  of  rebellion,  and  here 
I  shall  stay  until  my  work  be  finished.  There- 
fore if  you  lads  attempt  to  play  me  false  there 
will  come  a  reckoning,  for  we  shall  meet  again." 

"  Even  though  we  be  rebels  in  the  sight  of 
the  king,  we  hold  to  our  word,  and  that  both 
of  us  have  given.  We  will  swear  to  it  in  what- 
soever manner  may  be  most  convincing  to  you, 
sir." 

"I  shall  take  your  word,  knowing  that  the 
time  will  speedily  come  when  I  can  punish  you 
to  the  fullest  extent  if  you  break  it.  Now  say  to 
all  the  rebels  in  and  about  this  section  of  the 
colonies,  even  though  you  are  forced  to  travel 
many  a  day,  that  I  have  come  from  General 
Cornwallis'  army  unhampered  by  any  orders  other 


.148  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

than  those  to  crush  out  the  spirit  of  rebellion, 
and  that  if  they  do  not  desist  from  their  armed 
resistance  to  the  king's  commands  and  take 
protection  under  my  standard,  I  will  march  my 
army  over  the  mountains,  hang  their  leaders, 
and  lay  waste  their  country  with  fire  and  sword." 

These  words  he  required  the  boys  to  repeat 
for  him  twice  over,  and  that  done,  he  added  : 

"Remember  what  will  be  the  result  if  you 
attempt  to  deceive  me.  Now  go,  and  see  to  it 
that  you  rest  not  until  the  message  be  delivered 
to  all  those  in  rebellion  within  a  circle  of  Mty 
miles.  Captain  Depuyster,  will  you  take  care 
that  they  have  safe  conduct  outside  our  line  of 
sentinels.  If  the  boy  Sowers  chooses  to  follow 
them  in  the  hope  of  getting  his  revenge,  it  will 
not  be  in  my  power  to  prevent  him." 

Then  with  a  gesture  Nathan  and  Evan  were 
dismissed,  and  they  walked  out  of  the  room  as 
if  in  a  daze,  for  it  did  not  seem  to  them  possible 
they  had  thus  been  dismissed  from  captivity. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  149 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AT    WATUGA. 

Captain  Depuyster,  who  bad  been  charged 
by  Major  Ferguson  with  seeing  that  the  boys 
were  passed  through  the  line  of  sentinels  sur- 
rounding the  encampment,  lingered  behind  for 
a  moment  to  speak  with  the  commander,  and 
the  newly-released  prisoners  were  still  in  such  a 
maze  of  bewilderment  at  having  been  given 
their  liberty  that  they  failed  to  realize  there 
might  be  necessity  for  a  captain's  escort. 

They  went  out  of  the  dwelling,  past  the  sen- 
tinels at  the  door  in  silence ;  it  was  as  if  neither 
dared  to  speak  lest  the  sound  of  his  voice  might 
cause  the  British  commander  to  reconsider  his 
determination. 

Without  so  much  as  looking  behind  them  to 


150  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

learn  if  Captain  Depuyster  was  following,  for 
as  a  matter  of  fact  they  hardly  heard  the  com- 
mand which  Major  Ferguson  gave  relative  to 
their  departure,  they  went  straight  from  the 
door  toward  the  trail  which  led  to  Greene's 
Spring;  but  before  having  advanced  twenty 
paces  they  were  brought  to  a  halt  as  Ephraim 
Sowers  stepped  in  front  of  them. 

"  Have  a  care  you  rebels  !"  the  Tory  cried 
threateningly.  "Don't  get  the  idea  that  you 
can  run  away  whenever  the  fancy  takes  you, 
for  I  am  not  to  be  caught  at  a  disadvantage 
every  hour  in  the  day,  as  I  was  last  night." 

"  If  we  come  in  contact  with  you  again  there 
will  be  more  damage  done  than  when  we  con- 
tented ourselves  with  making  you  prisoner," 
Nathan  said  sharply.  "  Stand  aside,  or  it  will 
be  the  worse  for  you." 

Ephraim  looked  up  in  surprise  that  the  pris- 
oners should  have  retained  such  an  independent 
bearing  after  their  interview  with  the  major,  for 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  151 

he  counted  upon  their  having  been  reduced  to 
object  submission.  He  was  not  to  be  frightened 
by  their  threats,  however,  now  that  he  was  in 
the  open  air  with  the  redcoated  soldiery  all 
around  him;  and  instead  of  obeying  Nathan's 
command  he  brandished  his  fists  as  he  cried : 

"  Get  back  to  the  house  until  I  can  learn  what 
is  to  be  done  with  you." 

"  We  will  give  you  the  information  without 
any  necessity  for  your  returning,"  Evan  said 
with  a  laugh,  which  only  served  to  irritate  the 
Tory.  "  We  have  Major  Ferguson's  permission 
to  depart,  and  count  on  doing  so  without  allow- 
ing ourselves  to  be  delayed  by  such  as  you." 

"  Major  Ferguson's  permission  to  depart !" 
Ephraim  repeated  stupidly. 

"Step  aside,  or  we  may  be  called  upon  to 
put  you  out  of  our  path  Math  more  force  than 
is  agreeable." 

"  You  lie  when  you  say  the  major  has  released 
you !" 


152  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"Hark  you,  Ephraim  Sowers;  I  am  not 
minded  to  get  into  a  brawl  hereabouts;  but  so 
much  as  repeat  that  word,  and  I  shall  give  no 
heed  as  to  the  consequences,"  Nathan  said 
sternly.  "  You  and  I  have  a  long  reckoning  to 
be  settled,  and  I  do  not  desire  to  begin  it  now  ; 
yet  I  shall  if  you  are  not  choice  of  your  words." 

Ephraim  looked  from  one  to  the  other  ques- 
tioningly,  as  if  trying  to  decide  how  he  might 
best  reduce  these  lads  to  the  proper  state  of 
submission,  and  then  called  peremptorily  to  a 
soldier  who  was  passing  near  by : 

"Hello  there!  Here  are  two  prisoners  who 
count  on  escaping  by  pretending  that  Major 
Ferguson  has  given  them  permission  to  depart. 
Come  and  take  them  in  charge." 

"  Are  these  your  orders,  or  do  you  repeat 
some  other's  words?" 

"  Don't  stop  to  talk ;  but  lay  hold  of  these 
two  rebels,  lest  by  sheer  boldness  they  succeed 
in  making  off."    ■ 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  153 

"  Best  keep  a  quiet  and  civil  tongue  in  your 
head,  youngster,  for  I  am  not  minded  to  take 
orders  from  one  who  does  such  dirty  work  as 
you,"  the  soldier  said  surlily,  and  passed  on, 
leaving  Ephraim  crimson  with  rage. 

Near  by  where  the  boys  had  been  halted  was 
a  stack  of  muskets,  and  running  quickly  up  to 
them  the  Tory  seized  one,  regardless  of  the 
fact  that  by  so  doing  he  allowed  all  the  others 
to  fall  to  the  ground. 

Then,  turning  suddenly,  he  aimed  the  weapon 
full  at  the  two  lads,  crying  as  he  did  so : 

"  Wheel  about,  and  march  back  to  the  house, 
or  I  shall  shoot.  Don't  think  you  can  get  the 
upperhand  of  me  as  readily  as  you  did  last 
night,  for  I  am  not  minded  to  deal  gently  with 
you  now." 

"  Ho,  there  !  Guard !"  a  voice  cried.  "  Seize 
that  lad  and  let  him  be  deprived  of  his  liberty 
until  he  has  sense  enough  to  keep  in  his  own 
station." 


154  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

The  soldier  who  had  refused  to  obey  Ephraim 
wheeled  about  suddenly  upon  receiving  this 
command  from  Captain  Depuyster,  who  had 
just  come  from  the  dwelling,  and  before  the 
young  Tory  was  well  aware  of  the  change  in 
the  position  of  affairs,  be  was  being  marched 
toward  the  stables,  the  trooper's  hand  clutching 
his  collar  so  tightly  as  to  render  breathing  a 
difficult  operation. 

"You  can  go  on  now,  and  see  to  it  that 
you  do  not  loiter,  until  you  have  repeated 
Major  Ferguson's  words  to  the  rebels  round 
about." 

Once  more  the  boys  set  their  faces  toward 
Greene's  Spring,  and  as  they  marched  rapidly 
away  the  captain  followed  them  until  they  were 
past  the  line  of  sentinels. 

Then  he  turned  on  his  heel,  and  the  two  who 
had  so  lately  been  prisoners  slackened  not  their 
pace  until  a  mile  or  more  was  traversed,  when 
as  if  with  one  accord  they  came  to  a  halt,  in 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  155 

order  to  congratulate  each  other  upon  the 
fortunate  and  unexpected  turn  of  affairs. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  repeat  here  what  they 
said,  for  one  can  well  fancy  how  extravagant 
were  their  words  and  demonstrations  of  joy  at 
finding  themselves  free  when  it  had  seemed 
positive  they  were  doomed  to  a  long  term  of 
imprisonment,  during  which  time  Ephraim 
Sowers  might  often  play  the  part  of  jailer. 

They  hugged  each  other  as  if  the  thankful- 
ness in  their  hearts  could  be  thus  shown  better 
than  by  words,  and  laughed  loud  and  long  at 
the  discomfiture  of  the  Tory  spy,  who  had 
counted  so  certainly  on  making  them  atone  for 
their  treatment  of  him. 

In  fact,  so  elated  were  the  lads  that  their 
words  as  well  as  gestures  were  extravagant; 
perhaps  half  an  hour  had  thus  been  spent  be- 
fore either  bethought  himself  that  it  was  neces- 
sary they  should  push  ahead  with  all  speed,  for 
no  rations  had  been  served  since  the  night  pre- 


156  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

vious,  and  food  was  not  to  be  obtained  until 
they  were  among  friends  once  more. 

Once  the  boys  were  well  on  the  journey,  and 
after  the  first  excess  of  joy  had  passed  away, 
both  realized  their  extreme  weariness. 

The  previous  day  was  spent  in  marching. 
No  sleep  had  come  during  the  night,  and  much 
excitement  had  tended  to  increase  their  fatigue. 

Now  twenty  miles  must  be  traversed,  with- 
out food,  before  they  could  gain  the  needed  rest, 
and  it  is  not  strange  that  when  another  hour 
passed  they  found  it  difficult  to  continue  the 
advance. 

More  than  once  Evan  urged  that  a  halt  be 
made  for  two  or  three  hours,  lest  they  should 
not  be  able  to  hold  out  until  the  end;  but 
Nathan  steadily  refused  to  listen  to  any  sugges- 
tions, and  they  toiled  painfully  on,  stumbling 
here  or  staggering  there,  hardly  conscious  of 
their  movements. 

It  was  as  if  in  a  dream  that  they  finally  saw 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  157 

that  band  of  Americans  who  had  repulsed  the 
British  forces  a  few  hours  previous,  and  then  all 
was  a  blank,  for  consciousness  literally  deserted 
them. 

During  the  remainder  of  the  day  and  all  of 
the  following  night  the  weary  lads  slept. 

The  sun  was  rising,  and  Colonel  Clarke's  men 
were  making  ready  for  a  change  of  camp,  when 
Captain  Dillard  awakened  the  lads  by  shaking 
each  gently  by  the  arm,  as  he  cried  in  a  cheery 
tone: 

"  Rise  up,  or  sleep  will  wear  your  eyes  out. 
Unless  I  am  much  mistaken  you  are  more  in 
need  of  food  just  now  than  of  additional  slum- 
ber, and  it  is  time  you  were  stirring." 

The  boys  sprang  to  their  feet  refreshed  by 
the  long  repose,  and  ravenously  hungry,  but  so 
eager  were  they  to  learn  the  particulars  of  the 
combat  which  they  had  heard  from  the  distance 
that  neither  realized  his  need  of  food. 

"  You  shall  hear  it  all  very  shortly ;  but  it 


158  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

\ 

will  be  on  full  stomachs,  for  I  am  [not  minded 
to  have  you  starve  yet  awhile,  and  it  is  Sarah's 
right  to  tell  the  story." 

"  Then  Mrs.  Dillard  did  get  here  in  time  ?" 
Nathan  cried. 

a  Ay,  lads,  else  were  we  like  to  have  been 
murdered  while  we  slept.  And  a  brave  ride  it 
was;  but  I  am  not  the  one  to  tell  it.  Come 
over  by  the  fire,  and  after  you  have  filled  your- 
selves up  I  will  put  you  in  the  way  to  listen  to 
all  which  I  know  you  are  eager  to  hear." 

Half  an  hour  later,  after  they  had  literally 
obeyed  the  injunction  to  "fill  themselves  up," 
the  boys  and  Captain  Dillard  were  pressing  on 
in  advance  of  the  American  force,  to  the  dwell- 
ing where  Mrs.  Dillard  had  sought  shelter,  and 
before  noon  they  had  arrived  at  their  desti- 
nation. 

There  was  much  to  be  told  on  both  sides,  and 
as  the  quickest  method  of  gaining  the  informa- 
tion he  desired,  Nathan  first  explained  how  they 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  159 

had  left  the  British  camp,  and  gave  all  the 
details  of  their  advance  from  the  time  of  parting 
with  Mrs.  Dillard  on  the  mountain  trail, 

Then  it  was  his  turn  to  act  the  part  of  listener, 
and  eagerly  did  he  and  Evan  drink  in  the  vivid 
account  of  that  night  ride,  and  the  combat 
which  ensued. 

It  seemed  as  if  the  colt  recognized  the  useless- 
ness  of  struggling  further  against  the  determined 
woman  who  was  bent  on  riding  hirn,  for  when 
the  boys  had  let  go  their  hold  he  darted  forward 
straight  as  an  arrow  over  the  trail,  and  at  full 
speed. 

There  were  many  places  where  the  narrow 
road  ran  along  the  side  of  the  mountain,  when 
a  single  misstep  would  have  thrown  him  head- 
long over  the  cliffs,  and  yet  no  mountaineer's 
steed  ever  traveled  with  a  surer  footing,  and  at 
so  swift  a  pace. 

Once  only  did  he  make  any  effort  at  throwing 
his  rider.     Then,  fortunately,  it  was  in  a  valley 


160  sarah  dillard's  ride. 

where  there  were  no  trees,  and  Sarah  Dillard 
was  sufficiently  expert  an  equestrienne  to  baffle 
him. 

During  ten  mimites  or  more  the  steed  plunged 
and  kicked,  and  then,  as  if  again  becoming  con- 
vinced that  he  must  cany  the  life-saving  mes- 
sage, he  darted  onward,  slackening  not  the  pace 
until  they  were  arrived  in  the  midst  of  the 
encampment. 

The  amazement  of  the  patriots  at  seeing  the 
hostess  from  whom  they  had  so  lately  parted 
at  such  an  hour,  can  well  be  fancied,  and  it  may 
also  be  readily  understood  that,  having  accom- 
plished the  dangerous  journey,  Sarah  Dillard 
lost  no  time  in  making  known  the  fateful  news 
which  she  brought. 

One  word  was  sufficient  to  these  men  who 
were  inured  to  hardships  of  every  kind  and 
accustomed  to  face  danger  in  every  form. 

Within  five  minutes  after  Mrs.  Dillard's 
arrival  they  were  prepared  to  give  Major  Fer- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  161 

guson's  force  a  warm  reception,  and  so  sure 
were  the  men  in  their  ability  to  hold  the  encamp- 
ment against  the  enemy,  that  a  squad  of  four 
was  sent,  as  escort  to  the  brave  rider,  a  dozen 
miles  or  more  away  where  dwelt  one  in  whose 
fidelity  to  the  Cause  there  could  be  no  question. 

The  colt,  so  Captain  Dillard  said,  bad  done 
his  share  in  saving  the  lives  of  an  hundred  men, 
and  he  should  be  called  upon  to  perform  no 
meaner  work  so  lone:  as  he  might  live,  than  that 
of  bearing  on  his  back  the  woman  who  had 
literally  taken  her  life  in  her  hands  when  she 
set  out  on  that  perilous  ride. 

As  to  the  combat,  the  captain  dismissed  it 
with  few  words : 

"  We  were  ready  for  the  redcoats  when  they 
came  up,  and  had  been  for  two  hours  or  more. 
"When  the  horses  were  picketed  our  scouts 
brought  us  word,  and  then  it  was  only  a  ques- 
tion of  figuring  in  our  own  minds  how  long  it 
would  take  them  to  creep  up  on  us. 


162  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  \ 

"  We  could  see  the  Britishers  as  they  sur- 
rounded the  encampment ;  but  never  a  man 
raised  his  gun  until  they  had  their  muskets  at 
their  shoulders,  and  then  we  sent  a  volley 
among  them  that  mowed  down  a  full  half  of 
those  in  the  front  rank.  I  thought  at  the  mo- 
ment that  they  would  retreat  without  so  much 
as  firing  a  shot,  because  of  the  astonishment 
which  must  have  come  over  them.  Fancy, 
every  redcoat  there  felt  certain  in  his  own  mind 
that  we  would  be  taken  wholly  by  surprise — 
that  they  had  simply  to  fire  into  a  crowd  of 
sleeping  men,  and  it  would  have  staggered  the 
best  of  soldiers  to  have  a  shower  of  bullets  sent 
among  them  thus  suddenly. 

"  They  did  give  us  a  volley,  however — per- 
haps half  a  dozen  of  them  during  fifteen  minutes  _ 
that  passed  from  the  time  we  first  opened  fire 
until  the  last  musket  was  discharged,  and  then 
I  can  say  truthfully  that  fully  half  their  number 
was  left  behind,  for,  as  we  figured  it,  not  more 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  163 

than  two  hundred  came  out,  and  we  found  dead 
and  wounded  ninety-eight.  As  for  ourselves, 
but  one  man  was  harmed  by  British  lead,  and 
he  got  a  bullet  through  his  arm  in  such  fashion 
that  he  will  not  be  off  duty  a  single  day." 

"  We  have  buried  the  dead,  sent  the  disabled 
over  the  mountains  where  they  will  be  well 
cared  for,  and  now  stand  prepared  to  meet 
Major  Ferguson's  force  again.  But  tell  me 
what  is  the  message  which  he  charged  you  to 
deliver  to  all  the  rebels  within  fifty  miles  ?" 

"  We  are  to  say  to  those  who  fight  in  the 
cause  of  freedom,  that  Major  Ferguson  has  come 
from  Cornwallis'  army  unhampered  by  any 
orders  other  than  those  to  crush  out  the  spirit 
of  rebellion,  and  if  you  do  not  desist  from  your 
armed  resistance  to  the  king's  commands,  and 
take  protection  under  his  standard,  he  will 
march  his  army  over  the  mountains,  hang  your 
leaders,  and  lay  waste  the  country  with  fire  and 
sword." 


164  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"  The  gentleman  has  considerable  to  say  foi 
himself,  eh?"  and  Captain  Dillard  indulged  in  a 
hearty  laugh.  "  I  wonder  if  Major  Ferguson  of 
the  Seventy-first  regiment  thinks  the  men  here- 
about are  of  such  milk-and-water  natures  that 
he  can  disperse  them  with  a  word.  If  I  am  not 
mistaken  he  tried  to  lay  waste  Greene's  Spring 
with  fire  and  sword,  and  got  decidedly  the  worst 
of  the  attempt.  It  may  so  chance  that  he  will 
fail  the  next  time  he  tries  the  same  game.  How- 
ever, it  is  not  for  you  to  question  his  method  of 
making  war  until  after  you  have  paid  the  price 
of  your  release.  Get  you  gone  as  soon  as  may 
be,  lads,  and  we  will  utilize  the  gallant  major's 
paroled  prisoners  to  the  calling  together  of  our 
men,  at  the  same  time  his  threatening  words  are 
repeated.  You  shall  be  supplied  with  horses, 
and  I  will  write  down  a  list  of  those  '  rebels' 
holding  command  nearabout,  so  that  each  and 
every  one  of  them  may  be  visited.  Having 
repeated    the   threat,  you   shall  then  say  that 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  165 

Colonel  Clarke  has  heard  the  message,  and  gone 
on  to  Watuga,  where  he  awaits  the  coming  of 
those  who  resist  the  king's  commands.  In  other 
words,  lads,  we  will  make  Watuga  a  rendezvous, 
and  the  time  for  all  to  be  there  is  not  later  than 
the  25th  of  September." 

"  Now  get  you  gone,  for  there  be  many  miles 
of  traveling,  and  many  days  to  be  spent  ere 
your  mission  is  ended  and  you  have  the  right 
to  call  yourselves  free  lads  once  more.  Ride 
with  all  speed,  and  waste  not  an  hour,  for  the 
time  has  come  when  General  Cornwallis  shall 
be  taught  a  lesson,  or  I  am  mistaken  in  my 
neighbors." 

Thus  it  was  that  Nathan  and  Evan  set  off  on 
their  long  and  devious  journey  with  no  more  of 
a  halt  than  was  necessary  to  relate  their  story 
and  hear  that  which  Captain  and  Mrs.  Dillard 
had  to  tell. 

To  repeat  in  detail  all  their  wanderings  would 
form  dry  reading,  therefore  let  us  simply  re- 


166  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

count  what  was  done  from  that  day  until  the 
twenty-fifth  of  September,  when,  as  Captain 
Dillard  had  arranged,  the  patriots  assembled  at 
Watuga. 

They  repeated  Major  Ferguson's  message  to 
Colonel  William  Campbell  of  Washington 
County,  in  Virginia,  and  he  promised  to  join 
the  patriots  with  four  hundred  men. 

They  had  speech  with  Nathan's  uncle,  Colonel 
Isaac  Shelby,  who  agreed  to  bring  two  hundred 
and  forty  from  Sullivan  County  in  North  Caro- 
lina. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Sevier,  who  re- 
ceived them  most  hospitably,  declared  that  he, 
with  two  hundred  and  forty  of  his  neighbors 
from  Washington  County,  in  North  Carolina, 
would  start  at  once  for  Watuga. 

Colonel  Charles  McDowells,  Evan's  father, 
returned  answer  that  he,  with  an  hundred  and 
sixty  from  the  counties  of  Burke  and  Kuther- 
ford,  would  join  the  force,  and  Colonel  Cleave- 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  167 

land  answered  for  three  hundred  and  fifty  from 
the  counties  of  Wilkes  and  Surry ;  but  agreed 
to  join  force  with  the  other  Americans  some- 
where on  the  Catawba  River. 

Colonel  James  Williams  urged  that  the  force 
march  to  the  Cowpens,  on  Broad  River  in  South 
Carolina,  where  he  would  add  four  hundred 
trained  soldiers  to  the  command. 

It  was  not  until  the  morning  of  the  25th  of 
September  that  Nathan  and  Evan  completed 
their  work  of  repeating  Major  Ferguson's  mes- 
sage and  summoning  the  mountain  men  to  the 
rendezvous. 

Then  they  were  free,  so  far  as  the  British 
officer  could  have  any  claim  upon  them,  and 
believed  themselves  entitled  to  a  place  in  the 
ranks  by  virtv  e  of  what  they  had  done  for  the 
cause. 

Many  roiles  had  been  traversed,  some  on 
horseback,  many  in  boats,  and  not  a  few  afoot. 
They  were  received  everywhere  with  the  utmost 


168  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

hospitality,  and  perhaps  never  were  two  lads 
shown  more  respect  than  they,  because  of  the 
fact  that  they  were  doing,  and  had  done,  the 
work  of  men,  although  only  boys. 

They  were  justly  proud  on  the  day  of  their 
arrival  at  Watuga,  to  be  received  by  these  sturdy 
patriots  like  equals,  and  to  be  besieged  on  every 
side  with  questions  as  to  the  general  feeling 
among  the  people  of  the  districts  which  they 
had  visited. 

Evan's  father  gave  them  a  place  in  his  troop, 
and  when  some  of  the  men  insisted  that  the 
boys  should  be  allowed  to  play  the  part  of  offi- 
cers because  of  the  particular  and  difficult 
work  they  had  performed,  Colonel  McDowells 
replied : 

"  If  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  lads  to  serve  their 
country,  they  can  best  do  so  with  muskets  in 
their  hands,  but  if  they  simply  desire  to  parade 
themselves  before  the  people  in  fine  feathers, 
the  Carolinas  is  no  place  for  them.     They  had 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  169 

better  go  where  they  can  have  better  fare  and 
more  opportunity  for  admiration." 

It  troubled  the  boys  but  little  that,  after 
having  been  intrusted  with  important  business, 
they  were  to  have  no  more  responsible  part 
than  that  of  private  soldiers,  for  they  knew  full 
well  that  neither  was  fitted  for  a  command,  and 
it  sufficed  that  the  privilege  was  given  them  to 
serve  the   cause  in  howsoever  humble  capacity. 

They  were  in  the  ranks  on  that  26th  day  of 
September  when  the  little  force  went  out  from 
Watuga  down  the  Catawba  River,  and  by  the 
5th  of  October,  when  the  patriots  had  arrived 
at  the  Cowpens  where  Colonel  Williams  kept 
his  word  by  marching  up  with  twenty  men 
more  than  he  bad  promised,  it  was  said  among 
the  men  as  well  as  the  officers  that  there  were 
no  more  promising  soldiers  in  the  force  than 
these  two  lads  whose  first  experience  in  military 
matters  had  been  gained  as  prisoners. 

During  this  time  they  made  diligent  inquiries 


170  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

of  all  who  might  have  such  information  con- 
cerning Ephraim  Sowers,  but  without  learning 
anything  whatsoever. 

"  Don't  let  that  fret  you,  lads,"  Captain  Dil- 
lard  said  when  they  went  into  camp  at  the 
Cowpens,  and  learned  from  the  scouts  that 
Major  Ferguson's  force  was  encamped  not  more 
than  thirty  miles  distant  near  the  Cherokee 
Ford  of  Broad  River.  "Don't  let  that  fret  you. 
Unless  I  am  very  much  mistaken  we  shall  not 
remain  here  many  hours,  for  there  is  a  council 
of  war  being  held,  and  from  what  I  know  of  our 
commanding  officers,  we  shall  give  the  gallant 
major  all  the  hot  work  he  can  desire.  Then,  if 
your  Tory  spy  be  not  weak-kneed,  you  will  have 
an  opportunity  of  coming  face  to  face  with  him, 
for  once  we  have  met  this  gentleman  who  pro- 
poses to  lay  waste  our  country  with  fire  and 
sword,  we  shall  not  leave  him  until  after  having 
made  the  acquaintance  of  a  goodly  number  of 
his  men." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  171 

u  But  Ephraim  Sowers  is  not  a  soldier,"  Evan 
said  with  a  laugh,  "  and  I  am  of  the  opinion 
that  he  is  weak-kneed." 

"Even  then  the  chances  are  he  yet  remains 
with  Ferguson's  troop,  for  hark  you,  lad,  the 
Tories  have  joined  the  major  in  such  numbers 
that  hereabouts  in  the  Carolinas  are  none  left  at 
their  homes.  The  spy  must  stick  to  his  red- 
coated  friends  whom  he  served  so  well,  or  have 
a  mighty  lonesome  time  of  it  by  himself.  If  I 
had  played  his  part,  doing  all  in  my  power  to 
brin^  about  the  death  of  those  who  had  be- 
friended  me,  I  should  make  it  my  business  to 
keep  ever  within  sight  of  a  red  uniform,  lest 
some  of  those  whose  death  I  had  sought  to  com- 
pass might  fall  upon  me.  You  shall  see 
Ephraim  Sowers,  and  have  a  long  talk  with 
him." 

"  You  speak,  captain,  as  if  there  could  be  no 
question  of  the  result,  once  we  are  come  up  with 
the  force," 


172  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"  Neither  is  there,  lad.  We  of  the  Carolinas 
have  each  a  home  to  protect,  and  so  many 
wrongs  to  avenge  that  there  can  be  no  back- 
ward move  on  our  part  once  the  fight  is 
opened." 

11  How  many  men  think  you  Major  Ferguson 
can  muster  ?" 

"In  regulars  and  Tories  from  fourteen  to 
fifteen  hundred." 

"  And  our  own  forces  V 

"  Not  far  from  seventeen  hundred." 

"Then  we  are  the  stronger?" 

"  Not  so,  Nathan,  my  boy.  Did  we  number 
two  thousand  the  force  would  hardly  be  equal, 
because  of  disparity  of  weapons.  The  king's 
troops  are  well  equipped,  and  they  bring  with 
them  muskets  and  ammunition  in  plenty  for  the 
Tories  who  join  them.  We  have  only  such  as 
each  man  can  provide,  and  some  of  us  so  poorly 
armed  that  half  a  dozen  rounds  would  see  the 
powder-horns  and  shot  pouches  emptied.     But 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  173 

we  are  righting  for  the  cause,  and  they  for  the 
king.  In  that  you  have  the  whole  story,  and 
therefore  this  I  say :  When  we  come  face  to 
face  with  Major  Ferguson,  as  I  believe  we  shall 
within  twenty-four  hours,  we  will  stay  with  him 
so  long  that  you  will  have  ample  time  in  which 
to  seek  out  this  spy  who  would  have  compassed 
the  death  of  us  at  Greene's  Spring." 


174  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE   PRISONER. 

Nathan  and  Evan  were  enjoying  to  the 
utmost  this  conversation  with  Captain  Dillard. 

It  is  true  they  had  seen  him  seldom  since  the 
first  greeting  after  Sarah  Dillard's  ride;  but  on 
each  occasion  he  had  appeared,  much  as  if  try- 
ing to  show  the  world  that  he  had  espoused 
respect  and  admiration  for  these  two  lads. 

This  was  particularly  pleasing  to  the  boys, 
because  Captain  Dillard  was  one  who  was 
choice  of  his  associates,  and  it  was  often  said 
that  "Dillard's  friendship  was  given  tmly  to 
brave  men." 

Nathan  and  Evan  were  proud  at  being  seen 
with  this  gallant  Carolinian  as  if  they  were  his 
bosom  friends,  and  when  a  messenger  came  from 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  175 

Colonel  McDowells  summoning  them  to  an  in- 
terview with  the  commander  of  the  forces  from 
Burke  and  Rutherford,  they  were  not  well 
pleased  at  being  obliged  to  part  company  from 
the  man  who  among  all  the  troops  they  most 
admired. 

With  evident  reluctance  they  rose  to  their 
feet,  and  while  walking  toward  Colonel  Mc- 
Dowells' quarters,  Nathan  said : 

"  I  don't  think  we  did  any  very  gallant  deed, 
Evan,  when  we  turned  the  tables  on  Ephraim 
Sowers,  or  aided  Sarah  Dillard  to  remount  the 
colt.  Neither  have  we  done  anything  of  which 
to  boast  in  repeating  Major  Ferguson's  message, 
or  summoning  friends  of  the  cause  to  the  ren- 
dezvous; but  yet  because  of  all  those  ad- 
ventures have  we  been  marked  out  before  the 
entire  camp  as  lads  with  whom  Captain  Dillard 
is  pleased  to  hold  conversation,  and  even  though 
we  had  suffered  much,  such  a  reward  would  be 
sufficient." 


176  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"  The  captain  believes  we  shall  come  up  with 
the  Britishers  within  twenty-four  hours,"  Evan 
said,  as  if  he  had  not  heard  his  comrade's 
remark. 

"Ay,  and  it  is  said  they  are  only  twenty 
miles  away,  eager  to  meet  us." 

"  Then  there  is  like  to  be  battle." 

"Ay;  how  else  could  it  be  when  both  sides 
are  ready  to  fight  V 

"And  shall  you  rejoice  at  finding  yourself 
standing  musket  in  hand  before  the  foe  ?" 

"Of  a  verity  I  shall!  Why  not?  Would 
you  avoid  the  encounter  if  it  could  be  done 
honorably?"  and  halting  suddenly,  Nathan 
looked  his  comrade  full  in  the  face. 

"  It  is  a  shameful  thing  for  a  lad  to  say,  of 
that  I  am  well  aware,"  Evan  replied  hesitat- 
ingly; "but  I  grow  timorous  at  the  thought, 
and  have  great  fear  lest  I  shall  betray  some 
signs  of  cowardice." 

Nathan  laughed  long  and  loud. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  177 

"  When  Captain  Charles  McDowells'  son,  he 
whose  grandmother  has  proven  herself  on  more 
than  one  occasion  to  be  as  brave  as  the  most 
courageous  men,  speaks  of  showing  cowardice, 
there  is  reason  for  lau^hino;." 

"  But  I  have  never  stood  in  line  with  soldiers 
during  the  heat  of  battle,  and  fear  much  lest  I 
should  shame  my  father." 

"  You  never  have  done  so  yet,  lad,  and  I  will 
answer  for  it  that  he  has  no  cause  to  blush  in 
your  behalf.  Put  such  idle  fancies  from  your 
mind,  and  when  the  hour  comes  that  we  meet 
Major  Ferguson's  force,  never  fear  but  that  you 
will  be  foremost  anions;  the  friends  of  freedom." 

Evan  would  have  said  more  regarding  this 
sudden  timorousness  which  had  come  upon  him, 
but  for  the  fact  that  they  were  then  arrived  at 
Colonel  McDowells'  tent,  and  the  subject  of  the 
interview  for  which  he  had  summoned  them 
was  so  startling  and  unexpected  as  to  drive  all 
other  thoughts  from  the  boy's  mind. 


178  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"You  two,  who  claim  the  right  to  be  called 
soldiers,  although  never  having  marched  in  the 
ranks  until  the  day  we  left  Watuga,  know  full 
well  that  the  Britishers  are  within  thirty  or 
forty  miles  of  us  at  this  moment." 

The  colonel  paused  as  if  for  reply,  and  Evan 
said: 

"  We  have  heard  it  so  spoken  among  the 
men,  sir." 

"You  understand,  also,  that  we  are  like  to 
measure  strength  with  them  before  many  hours  ?" 

"Yes,  sir." 

"  While  I  cast  no  discredit  on  your  courage, 
I  am  free  to  say  that  men  who  have  had  more 
experience  in  this  business  will  be  of  greater 
service  to  us  in  time  of  battle  than  you  lads." 

"  But  surely,  father,  you  won't  say  that  we 
shall  not  bear  our  share  in  the  combat,"  Evan 
cried,  suddenly  forgetting  the  fears  of  which  he 
had  made  mention  to  his  comrade. 

"  It  is  not  my  purpose  to  prevent  you  from 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  179 

bearing  your  full  share  of  danger,  and  in  fact  I 
now  propose  to  place  you  in  a  position  more 
perilous  than,  perhaps,  would  be  your  regular 
stations  in  the  regiment.  I  simply  wish  to  ex- 
plain why  I  called  upon  you  for  a  certain  ser- 
vice, rather  than  men  who  may  be  needed  else- 
where." 

The  boys  looked  in  bewilderment  at  the 
colonel,  trying  in  vain  to  understand  the  mean- 
ing of  this  vague  explanation,  and  after  a  brief 
pause  he  continued: 

"  It  has  been  proposed  that  we  send  out  a 
certain  number  of  men  to  gain  all  possible  in- 
formation regarding  the  strength  and  disposition 
of  the  enemy.  To  such  suggestions  I  have 
argued  that  we  could  ill  afford  to  spare  even 
two  soldiers,  and  yet  I  know  it  is  necessary  we 
should  have  such  knowledge.  Therefore  have  I 
said  to  those  who  are  associated  with  me  in  the 
command,  that  we  would  hold  those  who  had 
already  proven  themselves,  and  send  out  such 


180  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

as  yet  had  a  name  to  win.  The  mission  is  one 
of  extreme  danger,  and  requires  most  careful 
work.  If  you  lads  shrink  not  from  the  task,  I 
would  have  you  volunteer  to  set  about  it,  for 
this  is  a  service  to  which  I  would  not  order  any 
person,  (xo,  if  you  can,  of  your  own  free  will ; 
but  if  the  undertaking  seems  too  dangerous,  no 
one  shall  taunt  you  for  having  refused." 

"  Where  are  we  to  go,  sir?"  Evan  asked. 

"  As  near  to  Major  Ferguson's  encampment 
as  may  be  necessary  in  order  to  learn  exactly 
the  number  and  disposition  of  his  men." 

"  When  are  we  to  start  ?" 

"  As  soon  as  may  be.  There  is  no  time  for 
delay,  since  we  must  push  forward  steadily,  and 
not  allow  it  to  be  believed  that  we  shrink  from 
the  battle." 

"  Then  it  would  be  best  Evan  and  I  did  not 
spend  any  further  time  in  asking  questions," 
Nathan  interrupted.    "We  will  be  off  at  once." 

"And  you  have  no  hesitation  about  the  mat- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  181 

ter,  young  Shelby  ?"  Colonel  McDowells  asked 
as  he  gazed  at  the  boys  sharply. 

"  Both  Evan  and  I  are  ready  to  do  all  that 
may  be  in  our  power,  and  even  though  the 
task  was  one  which  we  shrank  from,  both  of  us 
have  too  much  pride  to  allow  that  fact  to 
become  known.  However,  this  doesn't  seem 
as  dangerous  as  when  we  set  out  about 
making  our  escape  from  the  Dillard  plantation, 
and  there  is  no  reason  why  we  should  falter. 
My  only  fear  is  lest  we  may  not  be  sufficiently 
well  versed  in  military  matters  to  bring  such 
information  as  is  required." 

"  Keep  your  eyes  and  ears  open,  remembering 
everything  which  is  seen  and  heard,  and  I  doubt 
not  but  that  you  can  perform  the  mission  as  well 
as  the  ablest  soldier  among  us.  It  is  necessary 
you  exercise  great  prudence,  however,  for  should 
Major  Ferguson  detect  you  in  loitering  around 
his  encampment,  he  would  be  justified  in  hang- 
ing you  as  spies  with  but  scant  ceremony." 


182  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

"  Have  you  any  further  orders,  sir  ?"  Evan 
asked  nervously,  for  this  reminder  of  the  peril 
they  were  about  to  incur  was  not  pleasing. 

"  None,"  and  the  colonel  rose  to  his  feet  as 
he  held  out  both  hands  to  the  boys. 

A  fervent  hand-clasp  was  the  only  token  of 
parting,  and  the  lads  went  directly  from  this 
interview  to  prepare  themselves  for  the  journey. 

Captain  Dillard  came  up  as  they  were  refill- 
ing the  powder  horns,  and  counting  out  an 
additional  store  of  bullets. 

"  So  the  colonel  has  sent  his  son  rather  than 
risk  the  life  of  one  of  the  men,"  he  said  half  to 
hiimself,  and  Evan  looked  up  with  a  smile  as 
he  replied : 

"  When  favors  are  to  be  bestowed,  captain,  it 
is  right  the  father  should  remember  first  his 
son." 

"  And  this  is  a  favor  with  a  vengeance,"  Dill- 
ard muttered,  after  which,  realizing  he  had  been 
imprudent  in  thus  voicing  his  apprehensions,  he 


SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE.  183 

whistled  a  cheery  tune  as  if  there  was  no  reason 
why  he  or  any  other  in  the  encampment  should 
be  gloomy. 

In  less  than  ten  minutes  the  boys  had  made 
their  preparations  for  the  scout,  and  were  debat- 
ing as  to  the  best  course  to  be  pursued. 

"  Make  straight  for  Cherokee  Ford,  lads,  and 
trust  to  luck  for  all  the  remainder.  I  do  not 
mean  that  you  are  to  go  blindly  ahead  without 
taking  due  precautions ;  but  it  seldom  pays  at 
such  times  to  map  out  an  elaborate  plan,  for 
much  depends  upon  accident." 

Then  the  captain  turned  abruptly  away,  most 
likely  to  avoid  a  leave-taking,  and  the  two  boys 
marched  side  by  side  out  of  the  encampment, 
the  men  following  them  with  their  eyes  but 
speaking  no  word,  for  each  understood  upon 
what  a  perilous  venture  they  were  embarked. 

It  was  nightfall,  and  the  young  scouts  were 
unfamiliar  with  the  country  over  which  it  would 
be  necessary  to  travel. 


184  SARAH   DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

They  knew,  however,  that  a  well-defined  trail 
led  from  the  Cowpens  to  Cherokee  Ford,  and 
along  this  they  advanced  at  a  smart  pace,  for  it 
seemed  necessary  the  journey  should  be  per- 
formed during  the  hours  of  darkness. 

Neither  felt  inclined  for  conversation  The 
silence  of  the  men  as  they  left  the  encampment 
struck  them  much  like  predictions  of  evil,  and 
they  were  weighted  down  by  a  sense  of  danger 
in  the  air  everywhere  around  them. 

At  near  midnight  they  made  the  first  halt, 
and  up  to  that  time  not  more  than  half  a  dozen 
words  had  been  exchanged. 

Now  it  was  as  if  the  nearness  of  the  foe  re° 
vived  their  courage  rather  than  depressed  them, 
and  they  discussed  the  situation  as  calmly  as 
they  might  have  spoken  of  the  most  ordinary 
affair, 

"  We  must  have  been  five  hours  on  the  march, 
and  covered  no  less  than  seventeen  or  eighteen 
miles,"  Nathan  suggested. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  185 

"  Surely  we  are  that  far  from  the  encamp- 
ment, and  it  stands  us  in  hand  to  have  an  eye 
out  for  redcoats,  because  they  or  the  Tories  will 
likely  be  scouting  nearabout  their  halting 
place." 

"  And  by  going  blindly  ahead  we  may  come 
upon  them  sooner  than  would  be  pleasant," 
Nathan  added  with  a  laugh.  "  Now  it  is  my 
proposition  that  we  tarry  here  until  daybreak, 
rather  than  run  our  noses  into  trouble." 

"  Father  said  we  were  to  perform  the  mission 
as  quickly  as  might  be." 

"  True ;  but  yet  he  did  not  propose  that  we 
discover  the  foe  by  running  into  their  very 
midst." 

"  We  are  yet  a  good  dozen  miles  from  Chero- 
kee Ford,  and  by  waiting  here  until  daybreak 
will  be  forced  to  spend  three  or  four  hours  be- 
fore we  can  hope  to  see  the  main  body." 

"  If  it  is  your  belief  that  we  should  push  on 
yet  further,  I  am  ready,"  Nathan  replied  in  a 


186  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

tone  of  content,  and  thus  it  was  decided  that 
they  should  not  make  camp  until  having  arrived 
at  least  six  miles  nearer  the  supposed  location 
of  the  Britishers. 

After  fifteen  minutes  had  been  spent  in  rest- 
ing the  lads  set  forward  again,  and,  as  nearly  as 
they  could  judge,  it  was  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning  when  Evan  announced  that  he  was 
ready  to  make  a  lengthy  halt. 

Creeping  into  the  thicket  a  few  yards  from 
the  trail  where  they  could  remain  concealed 
from  view,  and  yet  be  enabled  to  see  any  who 
might  pass,  the  boys  set  about  gaining  such  re- 
pose as  might  be  possible. 

One  slept  while  the  other  watched,  and  every 
half -hour  they  changed  positions,  so  that  by 
daybreak  each  had  had  his  share  of  slumber. 

When  the  first  grey  light  of  dawn  appeared 
they  set  out  for  the  final  and  most  perilous  stage 
of  the  journey,  advancing  cautiously,  halting  to 
listen  at  every  unfamiliar  sound,  and  oftentimes 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  187 

making  a  detour  through  the  thicket  when 
there  was  a  sharp  bend  in  the  trail  which  might 
have  led  them  suddenly  upon  a  scouting  party 
of  the  foe. 

By  such  method  their  progress  was  exceed- 
ingly slow,  and  by  sunrise  they  had  advanced 
no  more  than  three  miles. 

Now  if  the  information  brought  to  the 
American  encampment  was  correct,  they  were 
close  upon  the  Britishers,  and  might  at  any 
moment  expect  to  see  a  scarlet  coat  through  the 
foliage. 

"We  must  take  some  chances  in  order  to 
push  ahead  more  rapidly,  or  we  shall  not  be 
able  to  return  before  to-morrow  morning," 
Nathan  whispered  impatiently,  after  they  had 
literally  crawled  through  the  thicket  half  an 
hour  more,  and  the  words  were  hardly  uttered 
when  the  sounds  of  footsteps  upon  the  beaten 
path  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  them,  caused 
both  to  suddenly  seek  a  hiding-place. 


188  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

It  is  well  the  lads  were  on  the  alert,  for 
within  a  few  seconds  four  Britishers  came  down 
the  trail  in  a  leisurely  fashion,  as  if  out  for  no 
other  purpose  than  that  of  a  stroll,  and  Evan 
gripped  Nathan's  arm  hard  as  he  saw  in  the 
rear  of  these  men  none  other  than  Ephraim 
Sowers. 

The  yonng  Tory  was  walking  slowly,  as  if 
displeased  with  himself  for  having  ventured 
away  from  the  camp,  while  the  Britishers  were 
in  the  best  of  spirits,  laughing  and  chatting 
merrily  without  paying  any  attention  to  their 
gloomy-visaged  companion. 

It  was  when  he  arrived  at  a  point  directly 
opposite  the  hidden  scouts  that  Ephraim  stopped, 
leaned  his  musket  against  a  rock,  and  seated 
himself  upon  a  fallen  tree-trunk,  as  he  said 
petulantly : 

"  I  am  tired  of  this  wandering  around  when 
we  are  like  to  come  upon  a  party  of  rebels  at 
any  minute." 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  189 

"  Then  why  do  you  follow  \  No  person  pre- 
vents you  from  returning  to  the  camp,"  one  of 
the  soldiers  said  with  a  laugh. 

"  I  am  minded  to  go  back  alone,  and  you  know 
full  well  the  orders  were  that  no  man  should 
stray  very  far  from  the  mountain." 

"  Then  you.  are  not  disobeying,  since  I'll  go 
bail  there's  little  of  the  man  about  you." 

"How  dare  you  speak  in  that  way  when 
Major  Ferguson  is  nearby  to  overhear  the 
words  ?"  and  now  Ephraim  displayed  anger. 

"  Don't  pride  yourself,  lad,  on  being  the 
especial  pet  of  the  major.  He  is  not  given  to 
much  affection  for  cowards,  even  though  they 
be  spies,  and  I  am  willing  to  wager  considerable 
that  no  member  of  the  command  would  be 
reproved  for  speaking  harshly  to  such  as 
you." 

During  this  brief  conversation  the  soldiers 
had  continued  to  advance,  while  Ephraim  re- 
mained sitting  upon  the  log,  and  when  the  last 


100  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

remark  was  made  the  redcoats  were  hidden 
from  view  by  the  foliage. 

The  young  Toiy  kicked  idly  at  the  earth  in 
front  of  him,  looked  up  and  down  the  trail  as 
if  in  search  of  something  entertaining,  and  then 
leaned  lazily  back  against  a  convenient  bush. 

The  footsteps  of  the  soldiers  sounded  fainter 
and  fainter  in  the  distance,  telling  that  the  men 
were  continuing  to  advance,  until  finally  all  was 
silent. 

The  two  lads  were  within  forty  feet  of  the 
boy  who  would  have  done  the  cause  of  freedom 
such  grievous  wrong,  and  each  instant  those 
who  might  lend  him  a  helping  hand  were  draw- 
ing further  away. 

Nathan  glanced  at  Evan  with  a  question  in 
his  eye,  and  the  latter  understood  it  as  well  as 
if  he  had  spoken. 

"It  might  be  done,"  he  whispered  cautiously; 
"but  we  should  not  neglect  the  work  which 
was  set  us." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  191 

"It  is  not  safe  to  advance  while  these  men 
are  between  us  and  Major  Ferguson's  force, 
therefore  unless  we  make  him  prisoner  it  is 
necessary  to  remain  idle." 

"  What  could  be  done  with  him  ?" 

"I'll  venture  to  say  he  might  be  f lightened 
into  telling  all  we  would  know." 

Nathan  hesitated  an  instant.  They  had  been 
sent  out  solely  to  gain  some  knowledge  of  the 
enemy's  force  and  disposition.  To  take  this  boy 
a  prisoner,  even  though  he  was  their  bitterest 
foe,  seemed  to  be  deviating  from  the  course 
Colonel  McDowells  had  marked  out,  but  yet, 
as  Nathan  said,  they  must  remain  idle  there  un- 
til these  four  men  should  return.  Therefore  it 
would  not  be  such  a  woeful  waste  of  time. 

"  If  we  can  do  it  without  giving  the  alarm,  I 
am  ready,"  Evan  whispered,  and  instead  of  re- 
plying, Nathan  began  creeping  cautiously  in 
the  direction  of  the  Tory,  who  sat  with  his  back 
turned  toward  them. 


192  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

Many  a  time  had  these  two  lads  crept  quietly 
upon  a  flock  of  wild  turkeys  without  alarming 
the  shy  birds,  and  to  go  through  the  same 
maneuvers  when  a  dull  boy  like  Ephraim 
Sowers  was  the  game  to  be  stalked  did  not 
prove  difficult. 

Side  by  side  they  advanced  with  hardly  so 
much  as  disturbing  a  single  twig,  and  had  gained 
the  cover  of  a  bush  within  three  feet  of  him  be- 
fore he  so  much  as  changed  his  position. 

Then  he  started  to  his  feet,  and  the  two  in 
hiding  crouched  yet  closer  to  the  ground,  fear- 
ing lest  he  had  grown  suspicious ;  but  it  was 
merely  to  change  his  position,  and  after  looking 
up  and  down  the  trail,  muttering  threats  against 
the  soldiers  because  they  continued  their  stroll 
when  it  was  not  to  his  liking,  he  reseated  him- 
self without  having  so  much  as  touched  his 
musket. 

It  was  possible  the  redcoats  might  even  now 
be  retracing  their  steps,  and  whatever  the  lads 


Nathan  and  Evan  crept  within  three  feet  of  the  Tory.— Page  193, 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  193 

counted  on  doing  must  be  done  without  loss  of 
time. 

Nathan  pressed  Evan's  hand  in  token  that  he 
was  ready  for  the  venture,  and  the  latter  nodded 
his  head. 

The  two  rose  to  their  feet,  standing  motion- 
less a  single  instant,  and  then,  darting  forward 
with  a  sudden  spring,  they  landed  directly  upon 
the  unsuspecting  Tory. 

Nathan  had  counted  upon  covering  the  spy's 
mouth  with  his  hand ;  but  missed  the  aim,  and 
Ephraim  was  enabled  to  utter  one  shrill  cry, 
after  which  he  was  powerless  to  do  more  than 
breathe. 

"  Work  quickly  now,  for  the  soldiers  may 
have  heard  that,  and  we  are  like  to  be  prison- 
ers ourselves  instead  of  capturing  this  sneak," 
Nathan  whispered,,  "We  must  tie  his  hands 
again,  and  contrive  something  for  a  gag  quickly." 

As  deftly,  and  yet  more  rapidly  than  on  that 
night  when  Sarah  Dillard  rode  the  unbroken 


194  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

colt,  Evan  bound  the  prisoner,  and  from  the 
time  they  first  leaped  upon  him  until  Ephraim's 
hands  were  tied  and  his  mouth  choked  by  a 
portion  of  his  own  garments,  no  more  than 
three  minutes  had  passed 

"  Take  his  musket,  for  it  must  appear  as  if  he 
had  gone  back  to  the  camp,  and  see  to  it  that 
you  wipe  out  all  traces  of  a  struggle,  while  I 
carry  him  into  the  thicket." 

Then  the  boy  lifted  Ephraim  to  his  shoulder 
as  if  he  had  been  no  more  than  a  package  of 
bulky  merchandise,  and  while  Evan  carried  out 
the  instructions  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  the 
spy  was  taken  an  hundred  yards  or  more  into 
the  thicket. 

Here  Nathan  halted  until  his  comrade  joined 
him,  when  the  two  continued  the  flight  until 
they  were  fully  half  a  mile  from  the  trail,  and 
all  this  while  Ephraim  Sowers  was  unable  to 
give  vent  to  his  anger  or  his  fears. 

"That  was  a  neat  job,  and  one  that  need  not 


sarah  dillard's  ride.  195 

interfere  with  the  purpose  of  our  journey," 
Nathan  said  in  a  tone  of  exultation,  as  he  wiped 
the  perspiration  from  his  face  and  sat  down 
where  he  could  look  full  at  the  discomfited 
Tory.  "  By  this  means  we  have  made  certain 
of  coming  face  to  face  with  Ephraim  Sowers 
again,  for  I  misdoubt  if  he  would  have  been 
found  in  the  battle  unless  peradventure  the 
Britishers  were  getting  much  the  best  of  it." 

"  Now  that  we  have  got  the  sneak,  what  is  to 
be  done  with  him  ?" 

"Tie  him  up  here  until  we  have  concluded 
our  work,  and  then  carry  him  back  to  the  men 
of  Colonel  Clarke's  command,  who  have  a  score 
to  settle  because  of  his  efforts  to  deliver  them 
over  to  their  butchers." 

The  expression  in  Ephraim's  eyes  gave  good 
token  of  the  terror  which  was  in  his  heart,  and 
in  furtherance  of  the  plan  he  had  lately  con- 
ceived Nathan  took  the  gag  from  the  boy's 
^aouth. 


196  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"Those  men  would  murder  me!"  Ephraim 
screamed  as  soon  as  his  mouth  was  freed  from 
the  gag. 

"Ay,  so  it  appears  to  me,  else  will  they  be 
more  forgiving  than  I  can  well  believe,"  Nathan 
replied  calmly,  as  if  in  his  mind  the  spy  was 
already  doomed. 

"  Would  you  take  me,  who  has  never  done 
you  any  wrong,  to  where  I  shall  be  killed  ?"  he 
whined. 

"How  much  wrong  would  you  have  done  had 
we  not  set  upon  you  the  night  the  force  at 
Greene's  Spring  were  to  be  massacred  ?"  Evan 
asked  sternly.  a  When  we  were  again  captured 
was  it  in  your  mind  to  treat  us  as  friends  ?" 

"  I  would  not  have  killed  you." 

"  Then  you  lied  in  order  to  frighten  us." 

"I  did  want  to  make  you  weaken,  but  had 
no  thought  of  doing  you  a  wrong." 

"  Such  a  controversy  is  useless,  and  we  have 
not  the  time  to  spend  upon  it,"  Nathan  inter- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  197 

rupted.  "Colonel  Clarke's  men  are  doubtless 
eager  to  meet  with  this  Tory  who  devoted  so 
much  of  his  time  to  them,  and  if  it  so  be  we 
are  forced  to  continue  on  in  order  to  gain  infor- 
mation concerning  the  Britishers,  we  can  do  no 
other  than  deliver  him  up  to  them." 

"What  is  it  you  want  to  know?1'  Ephraim 
asked,  a  ray  of  hope  coming  into  his  eyes. 

"We  are  sent  to  learn  concerning  the  British 
forces.  How  many  there  are,  where  they  are 
encamped,  and  such  other  matters  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  guidance  of  those  who  direct 
the  attack." 

"  Is  there  to  be  a  battle  ?"  Ephraim  asked 
eagerly. 

ci  Not  before  we  have  had  time  to  deliver  you 
over  to  those  who  will  thank  us  for  so 
doing." 

The  gleam  of  hope  died  away  very  suddenly, 
and  the  spy,  knowing  full  well  what  would 
likely  be  his  fate,  did  he  fall  into  the  hands  of 


198  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

the  men  who  would  have  been  killed  or  cap- 
tured had  his  plans  not  failed,  now  gave  evidence 
of  the  liveliest  terror. 

"  If  you  will  save  my  life,  I  swear  to  tell  you 
all  I  know  about  Major  Ferguson's  forces,  and 
none  can  give  the  information  better,  for  I  have 
been  with  them  every  hour  since  you  were 
allowed  to  leave  Dillard's  plantation." 

"  It  might  be  that  we  could  take  advantage 
of  the  offer,  if  it  was  possible  to  believe  a  single 
word  you  uttered,"  Nathan  said,  as  if  debating 
whether  to  accept  the  proposition  or  not. 

"I  swear  to  you  that  every  word  shall  be 
true,  and  if  you  hold  me  prisoner  it  will  be  easy 
to  know  whether  I  have  told  the  truth  or  not," 
Ephraim  pleaded.  "  Promise  that  if  I  give  all 
the  information  needed  you  will  save  my  life, 
and  you  shall  have  such  a  description  of  the 
camp  as  could  not  be  gotten  by  scouting  around 
it  for  a  week." 

"Shall  we  accept  the  offer,  Evan?"  Nathan 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  199 

asked,  as  if  it  was  a  matter  of  indifference  to 
him,  and  Ephraim  cried  imploringly : 

"  Give  me  one  chance  !  Don't  turn  me  over 
to  those  who  have  good  reason  for  murdering 
me !  I  will  answer  every  question  truly,  and 
you  shall  keep  me  prisoner  until  it  has  been 
proven  that  all  I  said  was  correct." 


200  SARAH  DILLARDS'  RIDE. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


king's  mountain. 


Having-  brought  Ephraim  Sowers  into  that 
frame  of  mind  where  he  could  be  utilized, 
Nathan  made  the  pretense  of  consulting  with 
Evan  as  to  the  advisability  of  accepting  the 
spy's  information, 

"If  Evan  will  agree  to  it,  we  may  promise 
that  you  shall  not  be  given  up  to  Colonel 
Clarke's  men,  although,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
we  have  no  intention  of  setting  you  at  liberty." 

"  All  I  ask  is  that  you  put  me  under  the 
charge  of  Colonel  Charles  McDowells,  you  prom- 
ising me  in  his  name  that  I  shall  receive  the 
same  treatment  as  any  other  prisoner." 

"  It  is  a  great  deal  you  are  asking,  Ephraim 
Sowers,  after  all  you  have  done  and  tried  to  do ; 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  201 

but  it  may  be  that  we  can  arrange  it.  Come 
this  way,  Evan,"  and  Nathan  stepped  aside  a 
few  paces  to  give  the  Tory  an  idea  that  consid- 
erable argument  would  be  necessary  in  order  to 
induce  his  comrade  to  enter  into  the  agreement. 

"Can  we  believe  what  he  says?7'  Evan  asked 
when  he  and  Nathan  stood  at  such  a  distance 
from  the  prisoner  that  their  words  could  not  be 
overheard. 

"  I  do  not  understand  how  he  would  dare  to 
tell  a  lie.  When  our  men  advance  it  will  be 
known  if  he  has  given  the  correct  information, 
and  we  will  make  it  plain  that  should  he  tell 
us  anything  which  was  proven  to  be  incorrect, 
then  our  promises  are  withdrawn." 

"  Go  on,  and  arrange  the  matter  as  soon  as 
you  can,  for  no  one  can  say  when  some  of  the 
redcoats  may  come  this  way  on  a  scout,  and  if 
we  should  chance  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy  now,  I  think  that  Tory  sneak  would  kill 
us,  if  the  murder  could  be  compassed." 


202  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

The  two  remained  as  if  in  conversation  a 
moment  longer,  and  then  returning  to  the  terri- 
fied spy,  Nathan  said  in  a  solemn  tone : 

"  We  have  agreed  that  if  you  give  us  all  the 
information  in  your  power  concerning  Major 
Ferguson's  force,  and  you  claim  to  know  every- 
thing regarding  it,  we  will  carry  you  as  pris- 
oner to  Evan's  father,  promising  in  his  name 
that  you  shall  be  treated  the  same  as  any  Brit- 
isher that  might  be  captured.  Should,  how- 
ever, it  be  discovered  that  you  played  us  false 
in  the  slightest  detail,  it  will  be  the  same  as  if 
our  promise  had  not  been  given,  and  you  will 
be  turned  over  to  Colonel  Clarke's  men." 

"I  am  not  likely  to  tell  that  which  is  not  true 
when  my  life  depends  upon  the  truth,"  Ephraim 
said  in  a  tone  which  convinced  his  hearers  that, 
perhaps  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  he  was 
resolved  to  make  a  correct  statement. 

"  Well,"  Evan  said  impatiently  after  a  brief 
pause.     "Why  don't  you  begin?" 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  203 

"What  shall  I. tell  you?" 

"  How  many  men  has  Major  Ferguson  ?" 

"  I  must  not  be  held  as  to  the  truth  of  num- 
bers, for  I  only  know  what  I  heard  a  commissary 
sergeant  say,  which  was  that  there  were  eleven 
hundred  and  twenty  all  told  upon  the  mountain." 

"  What  mountain  ?" 

"The  force  is  encamped  on  the  summit  of 
King's  Mountain,  which  is  about  twelve  miles 
north  of  the  Cherokee  Ford." 

"  How  far  from  here  ?" 

"  I  should  say  less  than  an  hour's  march." 

"Have  the  troops  any  other  weapons  than 
muskets  ?"' 

"No." 

"  How  many  are  the  king's  soldiers,  and  how 
many  Tories?" 

"There  are  not  above  two  hundred  of  his 
majesty's  troops. " 

"  Have  you  any  idea  why  the  major  chanced 
to  take  that  place  as  an  encampment  ?" 


204  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

u  Our  scouts  have  brought  in  the  word  that 
the  rebels  were  gathering  in  large  numbers,  and 
the  major  established  his  camp  where  it  could 
not  well  be  attacked." 

"How  long  has  he  been  there?" 

"  Two  days." 

"  Do  you  know  if  he  intends  making  a  move 
soon  ?" 

"I  have  heard  it  said  in  the  camp  that  we 
were  like  to  stay  there  a  long  while — at  least 
until  reinforcements  can  be  sent  by  General 
Cornwallis." 

"  Beside  the  men  who  came  out  with  you  on 
the  trail,  how  many  are  scouting  around  in  this 
neighborhood  ?" 

"  There  are  perhaps  twenty  who  set  out  this 
morning." 

"  Are  they  soldiers  or  Tories  ?" 

"  I  suppose  you  would  call  them  Tories,  but 
nevertheless  they  are  royalists." 

"  There  is  a  distinction  without  a  difference 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  205 

in  those  terms,  Ephraim,"  Nathan  said  grimly, 
"  bnt  I'll  venture  to  say  there  are  very  few  who 
are  both  Tory  and  spy,  with  an  inclination  to 
bring  death  upon  those  who  had  befriended 
them." 

"  In  taking  to  Major  Ferguson  information  as 
to  Colonel  Clarke's  force  I  only  did  my  duty, 
for  I  was  serving  the  king,  and  should  look 

on  all  those  who  offer    armed  resistance  to 


his  Iff— 


up 

laws  as  enemies 

"You  were  not  so  strict  in  your  allegiance 
last  winter,  when  you  begged  for  food." 

Ephraim  winced  but  made  no  reply,  and 
Evan  said  thoughtfully : 

"It  appears  to  me  we  have  gotten  all  the  in- 
formation he  has  to  give,  and  it  stands  us  in 
hand  to  return  to  camp  as  soon  as  may  be,  if 
you  think  we  are  justified  in  pinning  our  faith 
upon  his  statements." 

"I  swear  that  I  have  told  you  only  the  truth," 
Ephraim  cried,  beginning  to  fear  lest  his  captors 


206  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

might  recede  from  the  position  they  had 
taken. 

"If  there  are  twenty  Britishers  scouting 
around  the  mountain  I  do  not  believe  we  can 
learn  any  more  than  he  has  told  us,1'  Nathan 
said  half  to  himself,  "  and  it  appears  to  me  as  if 
we  had  good  reason  for  believing  our  mission 
had  been  fulfilled." 

"  Then  let  us  lose  no  time  in  retracing  our 
steps,  for  there  yet  remains  twenty-six  or  twenty- 
seven  miles  to  be  traversed  nightfall." 

"Where  are  your  forces  encamped?"  Ephraim 
asked. 

"  At  the  Cowpens,  on  Broad  River.  I  heard 
Captain  Depuyster  say,  when  it  was  told  him 
that  some  of  the  rebels — I  mean  your  friends 
— were  gathered  there,  that  it  was  twenty-eight 
miles  away." 

"  Then  you  know  the  exact  distance  it  is 
necessary  for  you  to  walk  before  sunset," 
Nathan  replied.     "  We  shall  not  be  so  cruel  as 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  207 

to  confine  your  arms,  but  you  must  march  not 
more  than  three  paces  in  advance  of  us,  and  re- 
member, Ephraim  Sowers,  if  you  make  any 
movement  which  has  the  appearance  as  if  you 
were  trying  to  give  us  the  slip,  we  shall  fire 
with  intent  to  kill,  and  at  such  short  range 
there  can  be  little  doubt  as  to  the  accuracy  of 
our  aim.     Are  you  ready,  Evan  ?" 

"  Yes,  and  the  sooner  we  set  out  the  better  I 
shall  be  pleased." 

But  for  the  fact  that  the  young  Tory  was  de- 
pendent upon  these  two  for  his  life,  he  would 
have  remonstrated  against  being  forced  to  make 
so  long  and  hurried  a  journey ;  but  under  the 
circumstances  he  did  not  dare  say  a  single 
word  which  might  sound  like  a  complaint. 

He  waited  meekly  until  Nathan  pointed  out 
the  direction  to  be  pursued,  and  then  set  off  as 
if  eager  to  arrive  at  the  destination,  his  captors 
meanwhile  keeping  their  eyes  upon  him  and 
being  on  the  alert  for  any  attempt  at  escape. 


208  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

There  is  little  to  tell  regarding  this  long 
tramp,  a  portion  of  which  was  made  through 
the  thicket,  and  the  remainder  over  the  trail, 
save  to  say  that  both  the  prisoner  and  his  cap- 
tors were  nearly  exhausted  before  it  came  to  an 
ending. 

Twice  only  did  they  halt,  and  then  not  more 
than  ten  minutes  at  a  time,  lest  by  remaining 
quiet  too  long  their  wearied  limbs  should 
become  stiffened. 

Evan  and  Nathan  had  brought  with  them  a 
scanty  supply  of  food,  and  this  they  shared  with 
Ephraim;  but  it  was  so  small  in  quantity  that 
it  served  hardly  more  than  to  whet  their  appe- 
tites, and  when,  shortly  after  sunset,  they  were 
arrived  at  the  American  encampment,  it  seemed 
to  all  three  as  if  they  were  literally  on  the  verge 
of  exhaustion. 

The  coming  of  the  boys  was  hailed  with 
shouts  of  joy  by  the  men,  and  when  it  was 
learned  who  they  brought  with  them  as  pris- 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  209 

oner,  it  appeared  much  as  if  the  promise 
Ephraim's  captors  had  made  would  avail  him 
nothing. 

Before  they  could  make  their  way  to  Colonel 
McDowells'  quarters  the  three  were  surrounded 
by  a  throng  of  hungry  men,  who  insisted  that 
the  Tory  should  be  hanged  offhand  for  his 
crime ;  and  but  little  attention  was  paid  to  the 
entreaties  of  Nathan  and  Evan,  who  announced 
again  and  again  that  they  had  pledged  their 
word  for  his  safety. 

"  We  have  sworn  that  he  shall  be  put  into 
the  custody  of  Colonel  Charles  McDowells,  and 
trusting  in  our  word  he  has  given  us  valuable 
information  concerning  the  enemy,"  Nathan 
cried  at  the  full  strength  of  his  lungs,  when  the 
throng  became  so  great  that  they  were  forced 
to  come  to  a  halt. 

"  Hang  the  spy  !  He  is  one  who  brought 
Ferguson's  troopers  down  to  Greene's  Spring  that 
Clarke's  men  mig;ht  be  massacred.     Hans;  him  !" 


210  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

Ephraim  kneeled  upon  the  ground,  clinging 
to  the  legs  of  the  boys,  alternately  praying  that 
they  would  guard  him  and  reminding  them  of 
the  promises  made. 

"Although  he  merits  death  we  will  keep 
faith  with  him,  and  he  who  lays  a  hand  on  the 
Tory  must  first  dispose  of  us!"  Evan  cried. 

The  men  were  in  no  mood  to  listen  to  reason, 
and  it  is  more  than  likely  the  boys  would  have 
failed  in  their  purpose  but  that  Colonel  William 
Campbell,  hearing  the  tumult,  came  quickly  up 
to  learn  the  cause. 

Hurriedly  and  in  the  fewest  possible  words 
Nathan  explained  the  situation  of  affairs,  and 
Ephraim's  life  was  saved  for  the  time  being, 
for  the  colonel,  calling  for  the  Virginia  force, 
formed  a  guard  around  the  prisoner  and  his 
captors,  holding  the  mob  in  check  until  all  were 
arrived  at  Colonel  McDowells'  quarters. 

Here  Ephraim  was  delivered  to  Evan's  father 
and  Colonel  James  Williams,  and  these  two  offi- 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  211 

cers  decided  that  the  }7oung  scouts  had  acted 
wisely  in  returning,  for  they  placed  every  de- 
pendence in  the  statements  made  by  Ephraini, 
who,  as  Colonel  Williams  said,  "had  for  the 
first  time  the  truth  frightened  out  of  him." 

The  lads  were  directed  to  go  in  search  of 
food,  and  when,  an  hour  later,  they  returned  to 
Colonel  McDowells'  quarters,  Ephraim  was  no- 
where to  be  seen. 

"  What  have  you  done  with  the  Tory  J"  Evan 
asked,  fearing  for  the  instant  lest  his  father  had 
forgotten  that  their  word  was  pledged  for  his 
safe  keeping. 

"  It  was  best  he  should  not  remain  in  camp, 
for  the  men  were  grown  so  excited  that  I  doubt 
if  I  could  have  held  them  in  check.  Your  spy 
has  been  sent  away  where  we  can  make  certain 
he  wrill  be  held  in  safe  custody." 

Then  the  colonel  asked  for  the  details  of  the 
journey  just  ended,  and  when  this  had  been 
given,  he  startled  them  by  saying : 


212  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

u  Since  receiving  the  information  from  Eph= 
raim  Sowers,  it  has  been  decided  that  we  will 
set  out  at  once  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  lest 
Major  Ferguson  change  his  plans,  and  lead  us  a 
long  chase.  We  have  nine  hundred  men  well 
mounted,  and  these  will  start  within  an  hour, 
continuing  the  march  until  they  shall  come  up 
with  the  enemy ;  meanwhile  the  footmen,  and 
those  whose  animals  are  not  in  the  best  of  con- 
dition, will  follow  as  fast  as  possible." 

"Do  you  intend  to  attack  the  Britishers,  in- 
trenched as  they  are  on  the  mountain  ?"  Evan 
asked  in  surprise. 

"Ay,  lad,  we  will  set  upon  them  wherever 
they  may  be  found,  and  whip  them  too,  till 
there  shall  be  no  more  left  of  this  force  which 
has  come  to  lay  waste  the  country  with  fire  and 
sword." 

"But  what  of  Nathan  and  I?"  Evan  asked 
anxiously.     "  Are  we  to  be  left  behind  V 

"  It  is  time  you  had  some  rest,  lads,  and  bet- 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  21'd 

ter  you  should  follow  with  those  who  march 
afoot." 

"  In  that  case,  sir,  we  might  miss  the  battle," 
Nathan  interrupted. 

"  Perhaps  it  were  better  if  you  did." 

"  We  have  thought,  sir,  Evan  and  I,  that  be- 
cause of  working  hard  for  the  cause,  we  would 
be  given  the  first  opportunity  to  show  what  we 
might  do." 

"  And  you  are  eager  to  go  into  the  combat  ?" 
Colonel  McDowells  asked  of  his  son. 

"  It  would  sadden  me  if  I  was  not  allowed  to 
do  so,  sir,  although,  as  I  have  confessed  to 
Nathan  several  times,  I  fear  my  courage  may 
fail  me." 

"  If  it  does,  you  will  be  the  first  McDowells 
who  has  shown  the  white  feather,  and  perhaps 
it  is  time  we  should  know  whether  you  are  of 
the  right  strain.  You  shall  ride  with  the  ad- 
vance forces,"  Colonel  McDowells  said  decidedly, 
and  then  turned  away. 


214  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE, 


CHAPTER  X. 

A     HOT     CHASE. 

The  two  lads  were  well  content  with  the 
assurance  given  by  Colonel  McDowells,  even 
though  each  would  have  been  forced  to  admit, 
in  event  of  close  questioning,  that,  while  eager 
to  bear  a  full  share  of  all  the  dangers,  the  pros- 
pect of  taking  part  in  a  pitched  battle  brought 
with  it  a  certain  degree  of  nervous  apprehen- 
sion. 

It  was  known  because  of  what  Ephraim 
Sowers  had  told,  and  could  have  been  well 
understood  even  though  the  Tory  lad  had  not 
chosen  to  purchase  safety  by  revealing  the 
secrets  of  those  whom  he  claimed  as  friends, 
that  Major  Ferguson's  force  was  intrenched 
after   such   fashion  as   was   possible,   and,   in 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  215 

addition,  the  position  was  rendered  yet  stronger 
by  being  on  the  mountain,  up  which  the 
u  rebels "  must  climb  in  order  to  make  an 
attack. 

Another  advantage  which  the  Britishers  had, 
was  in  point  of  weapons  and  ammunition. 
They  were  thoroughly  well  equipped  with  the 
best  quality  of  arms,  with  powder  and  ball  in 
abundance,  while  the  friends  of  liberty  had  but 
a  scanty  supply  of  either. 

Despite  such  facts,  however,  not  a  man  among 
those  who  had  sworn  to  relieve  the  colonies 
from  the  yoke  of  the  oppressor  counted  the 
odds.  The  only  thought  was  that  at  last  the 
Britishers  were  where  a  battle  could  not  be 
avoided,  and  the  mountain  men  were  deter- 
mined that  the  conflict  should  result  in  a  victory 
for  the  "rebels." 

The  troop  did  not  begin  the  march  as  soon 
as  Colonel  McDowells  had  proposed,  however. 

Although  the  colonists  were  few  in  numbers 


216  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

and  with  scanty  outfit,  there  was  much  to  be 
done  by  way  of  preparation  for  the  unequal 
struggle,  and  when  an  hour  had  elapsed  they 
were  yet  in  camp,  but  nearly  ready  to  set  out. 

During  such  time  Nathan  and  Evan  had 
nothing  to  do  save  watch  the  movements  of 
those  around  them,  without  being  able  to  take 
any  part  in  the  work,  and  although  both  wrere 
in  need  of  repose,  it  w^as  impossible  to  rest  at  a 
time  wrhen  they  were  laboring  under  the  mental 
excitement  caused  by  the  knowledge  of  what 
wras  before  them. 

Now  and  then  one  or  another  of  the  men 
would  question  the  lads  regarding  their  recon- 
noissance  of  Major  Ferguson's  camp,  when 
Ephraim  Sowers  was  captured,  and  in  the 
course  of  such  conversations  the  two  boys  soon 
learned  where  their  prisoner  had  been  taken. 

One  of  the  squad  which  had  been  charged 
w-ith  conveying  the  young  Tory  beyond  reach 
of  those  who  would  have  hanged  him  without 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  217 

loss  of  time,  returned  to  camp  in  order  to 
accompany  his  comrades  on  the  march  which  it 
was  believed  would  be  ended  by  a  battle,  and 
displayed  no  little  curiosity  as  to  how  Ephraim 
had  been  captured. 

"  To  hear  the  young  villain  talk,  one  would 
think  a  dozen  men  couldn't  overpower  him. 
He  declared  that  his  reluctance  to  shed  the 
blood  of  former  playmates  saved  you  lads  from 
death." 

"  It  would  seem  that  he  has  recovered  some- 
what from  his  fears,"  Nathan  replied  with  a 
hearty  laugh.  "When  I  last  saw  him  he  was 
playing  the  part  of  coward  to  perfection." 

"  He  insists  that  you  took  advantage  of  his 
former  friendship,  and  while  calling  for  assist- 
ance, basely  fell  upon  him  when  he  was  giving 
the  aid  you  begged  for." 

To  Nathan  there  was  something  extremely 
comical  in  such  a  story  as  told  by  Ephraim 
Sowers,  who  never  displayed  the  slightest  sem- 


218  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

blance  of  courage  save  wlien  there  was  no 
possible  chance  he  could  come  to  any  harm. 

Evan's  anger  was  aroused,  however,  and  with- 
out delay  he  not  only  explained  how  they  had 
captured  the  Tory,  but  gave  additional  details 
concerning  the  incident  at  Captain  Dillard's 
house,  when  Ephraim  suddenly  found  the  tables 
turned  upon  him. 

"  He  could  not  have  attempted  to  do  a  more 
deadly  wrong  than  when  he  gave  information 
which  he  fully  believed  would  result  in  the 
death  or  capture  of  Colonel  Clark's  force  at 
Greene's  Springs,"  Evan  said  in  conclusion, 
"and  while  Nathan  and  I  have  given  our  word 
that  he  shall  be  held  safe  from  personal  harm, 
I  hope  careful  watch  will  be  kept  upon  him. 
Insignificant  though  the  lad  is,  he  may  be  able 
to  do  us  very  much  injury." 

"Joseph  Abbott  has  been  detailed  to 
guard  him,"  the  trooper  said  thoughtfully, 
"and  perhaps  a  more  steady  man  should  have 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  219 

been  assigned  to  the  work.  Abbott  means 
well ;  but  is  inclined  to  be  careless,  although  it's 
certain  he  understands  how  necessary  it  is  the 
Tory  be  held  safely  this  night." 

"Yes,  and  for  many  a  long  day  to  come," 
Nathan  added  gravely.  u  Until  the  Britishers 
have  been  driven  from  the  Carolinas,  Ephraim 
must  be  held  close  prisoner,  because  it  is  in  his 
power  to  give  them  all  needful  information  as  to 
our  prob'tble  movements.  There  can  be  no 
question  but  that  his  father  aids  in  the  work, 
and  while  it  is  not  generally  understood  that 
such  is  the  case,  much  harm  can  be  done. 

The  trooper  felt  confident  that  Abbott  could 
be  relied  upon  for  twenty-four  hours  at  least, 
because  he  would  remain  at  his  own  home,  and 
surely  there  he  should  be  able  to  make  certain 
the  prisoner  did  not  escape. 

Then  the  conversation  turned  upon  the  prob- 
able battle,  and  this  was  of  such  vital  interest 
to  the  boys  that,  for  the  moment,  they  almost 


220  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

forgot  such  a  lad  as  Ephraim  Sowers  ever  had 
an  existence. 

It  was  fated,  however,  that  they  were  to  drop 
him  from  their  thoughts  for  some  time  to  come, 
and  soon  there  was  more  reason  than  ever 
before  to  fear  his  power  of  working  mischief. 

Word  had  been  passed  for  the  horses  to  be 
saddled  preparatory  to  beginning  the  march  to- 
ward King's  Mountain,  and  Nathan  and  Evan 
were  attending  to  the  steeds  which  had  been 
provided  for  them,  when  a  sudden  commotion 
on  the  outskirts  of  the  encampment  caused 
every  member  of  the  troop  to  look  about  him 
in  alarm. 

The  sound  of  voices  in  loud,  angry  conversa- 
tion could  be  heard ;  but  it  was  not  possible  for 
the  lads  to  distinguish  any  words  save  these : 

"  He  should  have  been  hanged !  It  was 
little  less  than  a  crime  to  allow  him  to  live  !" 

"  Of  whom  are  they  speaking  ?"  Evan  asked 
in  surprise. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  221 

"  It  can  be  none  other  than  Ephraini,  and  yet 
I  had  supposed  he  would  be  forgotten,  until 
after  the  battle." 

"  The  men  must  have  learned  more  of  his 
doings,  for  certain  it  is  that  no  one  has  given  him 
a  thought  during  the  last  half -hour." 

A  moment  later  it  became  evident  that  what- 
ever had  caused  this  last  outburst  against  the 
Tory  spy  was  of  considerable  importance,  for 
the  cries  of  anger  were  redoubled  as  a  full  third 
of  the  little  army  ceased  their  work  of  prepara- 
tion to  gather  around  the  officers'  quarters. 

"  Something  has  gone  wrong !"  Nathan  ex- 
claimed as  the  confusion  increased.  "When 
the  command  has  been  given  for  us  to  saddle, 
the  men  would  not  spend  valuable  time  crying 
out  against  such  as  EpVaim  Sowers.  Can  it 
be  possible  he  has  escaped  i" 

"That  is  an  idle  proposition,  for  Joseph 
Abbott  could  not  have  been  so  careless,1'  Evan 
replied ;  but  there  was  a  sudden  tremor  of  his 


222  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

voice  which  told  that  he  was  not  as  confident 
as  the  words  implied. 

The  boys  no  longer  gave  any  heed  to  their 
steed  ;  but  pressed  on  toward  the  throng  which 
was  surging  around  the  officers'  quarters,  until 
it  was  possible  to  hear  yet  more  of  that  which 
the  excited  men  said. 

u  Abbott  was  the  last  man  in  the  Carolinas 
who  should  have  been  trusted  with  such  a 
duty  !" 

"  If  we  had  hanged  the  villain  it  would  not 
now  be  possible  for  him  to  do  us  so  much  mis- 
chief !" 

"Now  that  the  Britishers  are  certain  to  be 
warned  of  our  movements,  there  is  little  hope 
of  taking  them  by  surprise  !" 

These  and  similar  remarks  gave  the  eager, 
perturbed  boys  a  fair  idea  of  what  had  oc- 
curred ;  but  yet  Nathan  would  not  credit  that 
which  appeared  to  be  a  fact  until  having  more 
definite  assurance  that  the  young  Tory  was  in 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  223 

a  condition  to  work  wrong  to  the  patriots  of  the 
Carolinas. 

"  What  has  happened  ?"  he  asked  of  a  man 
who  was  insisting  that  the  officers  were  guilty 
of  a  great  crime  when  they  prevented  the  men 
from  hanging  the  prisoner. 

"Happened?"  the  man  repeated  angrily. 
"  That  young  Tory  whose  neck  should  have 
been  stretched  an  hour  ago,  has  given  Joseph 
Abbott  the  slip,  an'  is  most  likely  on  his  way  to 
King's  Mountain  in  order  to  inform  Major 
Ferguson  of  what  we  would  have  done  this 
night !" 

"Ephraim  escaped?"  Evan  repeated  in  dis- 
may, and  immediately  there  came  to  him  the 
knowledge  of  all  it  might  be  possible  for  the 
Tories  to  effect. 

It  was  certain  that  once  Major  Ferguson  had 
been  warned  of  the  proposed  attack,  it  would 
be  so  guarded  against  that  a  heavy  loss  of  life 
on  the  part  of  the  Americans  must  inevitably 


224  sarah  dillard's  ride, 

be  the  result,  and  prudence  would  dictate  that 
the  movement  be  abandoned. 

Insignificant  though  Ephraim  Sowers  was, 
he  now  had  it  in  his  power  to  save  the  king's 
troops  from  severe  loss,  and  could,  most  likely, 
thwart  the  patriots  at  the  very  moment  when 
they  might  strike  such  a  blow  as  would  free 
the  Carolinas  from  the  invaders. 

The  escape  of  the  Tory  was  the  most  disas- 
trous happening  that  could  have  been  brought 
about  by  the  enemies  of  the  colonies,  and  the 
knowledge  that  it  was  possible  only  by  sheer 
carelessness  on  the  part  of  a  true  friend  to  the 
Cause,  served  to  aggravate  the  offense  which 
had  been  committed. 

Here  and  there  a  man  swore  to  hang  Joseph 
Abbott  if  he  dared  to  show  himself  in  this 
section  of  the  country  again,  and  the  more  hot- 
headed demanded  that  Colonel  Campbell  and 
Colonel  McDowells  should  suffer  in  some  way 
because  of  having  interposed  to  save  the  prison- 


SARAH  DILLARD*S  RIDE.  225 

er's  life  when  there  were  troopers  standing  by- 
ready  to  execute  him. 

During  ten  minutes  or  more  the  tumult  was 
great ;  all  discipline  had  been  lost  sight  of,  and 
there  seemed  every  danger  much  mischief  would 
be  done  by  those  justly  angry  men  who  be- 
lieved themselves  thus  prevented  from  breaking 
the  rule  of  the  king  in  the  Carolinas  at  the  very 
moment  when  it  might  have  been  successf  ully 
accomplished. 

During  this  time  Nathan  and  Evan  had  been 
forcing  their  way  toward  that  point  where 
Colonel  McDowells  and  Colonel  Campbell  were 
facing  the  angry  soldiers,  believing  for  the 
moment  that  an  attack  was  about  to  be  made 
upon  them,  and  then  it  was  Evan's  father  spoke 
for  the  first  time  since  the  lads  had  come  within 
earshot. 

"  I  am  ashamed  that  men  of  the  Carolinas 
will  thus  cry  out  for  the  death  of  a  boy,  how 
ever  much  injury  he  may  have  done,  or  can  yet- 


226  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

do  us.  We  war  against  the  representatives  of 
the  king ;  not  with  children." 

"It  was  he  who  would  have  compassed  our 
death !"  one  of  Colonel  Clark's  men  shouted 
vindictively. 

"Very  true,  and  it  is  right  that  he  be 
deprived  of  his  liberty;  but  more  than  that 
would  have  been  a  stain  upon  your  honor  such 
as  could  never  be  rubbed  out." 

"If  he  had  been  held  prisoner  we  should  have 
remained  silent,"  another  soldier  cried.  "Now 
he  is  turned  lose  to  carry  Major  Ferguson  such 
information  as  will  put  to  naught  all  our 
efforts." 

"  Is  Abbott  here  to  say  how  the  lad  escaped  ?" 
Colonel  Campbell  asked. 

"  His  wife  came  with  the  news  that  her  hus- 
band has  gone  on  the  trail  of  the  viper." 

"Then  who  shall  say  that  such  mischief  has 
been  done  ?"  Colonel  McDowells  cried,  his  voice 
taking  on  a  more  hopeful  ring.     "  To  hear  such 


SARAH  DILLARD  S  RIDE.  227 

bewailing  as  you  men  are  indulging  in,  one 
would  say  there  is  no  remedy  left  us.  It  is 
probably  true  the  Tory  has  escaped  ;  but  he 
cannot  have  very  much  of  a  start,  since  no  more 
than  three  hours  are  passed  since  he  was  led 
from  this  camp.  There  are  twenty-eight  miles 
between  us  and  King's  Mountain.  We  are 
ready  to  set  out  at  once.  "Will  you  admit  that 
such  horses  as  are  owned  by  you  may  not 
cover  that  distance  before  a  boy  can  do  so  on 
foot?  Shame  upon  you  for  thus  showing  the 
white  feather  when  there  is  a  possibility  of  re- 
pairing the  mischief !" 

Some  of  the  throng  stepped  back  a  few  paces 
as  if  regretting  that  they  had  been  so  loud  spoken; 
but  the  greater  number  remained  in  front  of 
the  two  officers  in  a  defiant  and  angry  atti- 
tude. 

"Where  is  Evan  McDowells?"  the  colonel 
cried,  raising  his  voice  that  the  question  might 
be  heard  throughout  the  encampment,  and  he 


228  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

had  no  sooner  spoken  than  Evan  and  Nathan 
forced  their  way  through  the  crowd  until  stand- 
ing directly  before  the  officer,  who  added  to  the 
insubordinate  men,  "My  son  and  Nathan 
Shelby — the  same  lads  who  captured  the  Tory 
— shall  go  out  in  search  of  him.  Half  a 
dozen  more  will  be  sent  in  as  many  different 
directions,  and  instead  of  standing  here  indulg. 
ing  in  vain  words,  we  may  repair  the  mischief. 
This,  however,  I  demand,  and  will  consider  him 
my  personal  enemy  who  disobeys  what  is  a 
positive  command  :  When  the  spy  is  retaken, 
see  to  it,  each  and  every  one,  that  his  life  be 
held  sacred!  These  boys  gave  him  an  assur- 
ance, in  return  for  certain  information,  that  he 
should  not  come  to  harm,  and  I  will  never  allow 
such  pledge  to  be  broken." 

"  We  shall  only  be  safe  when  he  is  dead  !"  a 
trooper  cried  in  a  surly  tone. 

"And  you  are  willing,  Angus  McLeod,  to 
admit  that  you  are  afraid  of  a  boy  !" 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  229 

"  Ay,  Colonel  McDowells,  of  such  a  boy  as  is 
that  young  Tory.  While  he  lives  we  know 
full  well  all  our  doings  will  be  carried  to  the 
king's  officers." 

"How  may  tbat  be  now  that  we  have  come 
to  know  him  for  what  he  is  ?  A  month  ago  it 
was  different,  because  you  allowed  him  in  and 
around  your  encampment ;  but  to-day,  with  full 
knowledge  of  his  character,  how  can  he  do  you 
harm?  When  he  is  taken,  as  I  feel  certain  be 
must  be  within  a  short  time,  turn  him  over  to 
me;  I  will  be  personally  responsible  that  he  no 
longer  has  the  power  to  work  us  an  injury." 

Then  turning  from  the  discontented  men  as 
if  he  had  done  with  them,  the  colonel  said  to 
Evan  and  Nathan : 

"Lads,  now  has  come  the  time  when  you  may 
perform  such  a  service  for  the  Carolinas  as,  per- 
haps, is  not  within  the  power  of  any  other.  I 
do  not  hold  that  you  are  more  skillful  or  keen 
on  the  trail  than  your  companions  ;  but  there  is 


230  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

in  my  mind  the  belief  that  you  will  succeed 
where  older  searchers  may  fail.  Set  out  im- 
mediately ;  spare  not  your  horses,  nor  your- 
selves, until  Ephraim  Sowers  is  once  more  your 
prisoner." 

"  But  in  event  of  our  being  so  fortunate  as  to 
come  upon  him,  sir,  we  shall  be  deprived  of 
taking  part  in  the  battle,"  Evan  said  mourn- 
fully, and  his  father  replied  quickly,  but  in  a 
whisper : 

"  There  will  be  no  battle  if  he  escapes  to 
carry  information  to  Major  Ferguson." 

"  There  will  be  in  case  we  shall  make  him 
prisoner  within  a  few  hours." 

"  In  that  event  you  may  leave  him  with 
Abbott,  whom,  I  dare  venture  to  say,  will  not 
give  way  to  carelessness  again,  or  in  the  custody 
of  any  whom  you  know  to  be  true.  We 
shall  ride  the  direct  trail  to  King's  Mountain, 
and  you  should  be  able  to  overtake  us  if  the 
work  be  performed  quickly." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  231 

There  was  no  thought  in  the  mind  of  either 
lad  that  such  an  order  as  the  colonel  had  given 
could  be  slighted,  and  while  it  would  have 
grieved  them  to  the  heart  had  an  engagement 
come  off  while  they  were  absent  from  the  troop, 
neither  hesitated. 

As  they  turned  to  leave,  Colonel  Campbell 
gave  orders  to  several  of  the  men  that  they 
ride  at  once  in  pursuit  of  the  late  prisoner,  and 
Nathan  whispered  to  his  comrade  while  they 
walked  as  quickly  as  the  throng  would  permit 
toward  where  their  horses  had  been  left : 

"  I  am  not  positive,  Evan,  how  we  might 
carry  ourselves  in  the  midst  of  a  battle.  While 
neither  of  us  would  admit  to  being  cowardly,  it 
is  possible  we  showed  a  certain  amount  of  fear 
when  brought  face  to  face  with  the  king's 
troops.  Now  we  have  one  more  opportunity 
of  proving  ourselves  equal  to  the  part  of  men, 
without  chance  of  displaying  the  white 
feather." 


232  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE, 

ilI  fail  to  understand  the  meaning  of  so  many 
words,"  Evan  replied  petulantly.  "  To  me  the 
only  thing  certain  is,  that  we  may  not  follow 
where  much  honor  is  to  be  won." 

"  If  it  should  so  chance  that  we  come  upon 
Ephraim  Sowers,  when  others  failed  of  finding 
him,  we  will  gain  more  credit  than  if  we  rode 
in  the  front  ranks  of  those  whom  I  hope  will 
charge  Major  Ferguson's  force  before  to-morrow 
night.  Let  us  give  over  repining  at  what  can- 
not be  changed,  and  set  ourselves  about  the  task 
of  running  that  miserable  Tory  down  !" 

Evan  was  not  disposed  to  look  at  the  matter 
in  such  a  light,  although  never  for  a  moment 
did  he  dream  of  disobeying  his  father's  com- 
mands. To  him  this  setting  off  on  a  blind 
search  for  the  young  spy  was  simply  shutting 
themselves  out  from  all  chance  of  riding  with 
the  men  of  the  Carolinas  when  they  charged 
the  enemy,  and  it  seemed  for  the  moment  as  if 
no  greater  misfortune  could  befall  thefik. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  233 

However,  he  made  no  protest  against  what- 
ever his  comrade  suggested,  although  confident 
that  with  a  start  in  his  favor  of  even  one  hour, 
it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  overtake 
Ephraim  Sowers,  more  particularly  since  half  a 
dozen  men  were  to  join  in  the  hunt,  and  with- 
out loss  of  time  the  two  lads  made  ready  for  the 
search. 

There  was  no  thought  of  making  provisions 
for  any  lengthy  absence;  the  work,  to  be  of  any 
avail,  must  be  done  before  midnight,  and  if  at 
that  time  the  Tory  was  yet  at  liberty,  then 
might  the  searchers  return  to  their  comrades, 
for  it  would  be  good  proof  Ephraim  had  suc- 
ceeded in  eluding  them  so  far  as  to  be  able  to 
give  Major  Ferguson  information  of  what  was 
afoot. 

Therefore  the  only  care  was  to  make  certain 
their  supply  of  ammunition  would  be  sufficient 
for  a  spirited  attack  or  resistance,  after  which 
they  rode  through  the  encampment,  and  half  a 


234  SARAH   DILLARD  S   RIDE. 

mile  beyond  were  halted  by  Mrs.  Abbott,  who 
was  returning  slowly  to  her  home. 

u  Are  you  young  gentlemen  setting  out  in 
search  of  the  Tory  2"  she  asked  when  the  two 
lads  halted  in  response  to  her  signal. 

"  We  are,  and  many  others  will  ride  on  the 
same  errand." 

"  The  soldiers  were  so  angry  with  Joseph  that 
I  had  no  opportunity  to  repeat  all  the  message 
he  sent.  It  was  not  through  the  fault  of  my 
husband  that  the  prisoner  escaped ;  he  was  left 
bound  by  the  hands  as  when  brought  to  our 
house,  while  we  made  ready  a  room  in  which 
he  could  be  safely  kept,  and  by  some  means 
managed  to  free  himself." 

"  We  have  no  time  for  such  unimportant  par- 
ticulars," Nathan  interrupted.  "  The  main  fact 
is  that  he  is  free,  and  we  are  among  those 
charged  with  the  search  for  him." 

"  Joseph  set  out  on  the  same  errand  within 
five  minutes  after  his  escape  was  discovered,  and 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  235 

he  bade  me  say  to  whosoever  might  come,  that 
the  trail  led  over  the  hills  to  the  westward. 
You  will  have  no  difficulty  in  following  it,  and 
should  come  up  with  my  husband  before  riding 
very  far." 

"  We  thank  you  for  the  information,  and 
would  ride  ahead  if  you  are  able  to  direct  us  to 
your  home,"  Nathan  replied. 

Mrs.  Abbott,  who  appeared  to  be  in  deepest 
distress  because  the  prisoner  intrusted  to  her  hus- 
band's keeping  had  made  his  escape,  gave  the  boys 
ample  directions  for  finding  the  house  and  as 
the  two  rode  rapidly  forward  Nathan  said  in  a 
hopeful  tone : 

"  There  is  yet  a  chance,  Evan,  that  we  shall 
succeed  where  the  others  failed,  thanks  to  our 
having  met  Abbott's  wife.  If  the  trail  is  well- 
defined,  we  shall  be  able  to  ride  it  down,  cap- 
ture the  spy,  and  return  to  the  encampment  be- 
fore our  people  have  set  out. 

a  That  is  what  we  should  do,  but  whether  we 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

can  or  not  is  quite  another  matter,"  Evan  replied 
gloomily.  "It  is  a  pity  we  promised  the  Tory 
our  protection,  otherwise  he  would  have  been 
beyond  all  power  for  harm  long  ere  this." 

"  And  would  you  like  to  remember  that  we 
captured  a  lad  who  was  once  our  friend,  for 
others  to  hang  in  cold  blood  ?" 

"  Almost  anything  would  be  better  than  that 
we  were  shut  out  from  following  those  with 
whom  we  should  ride  this  night." 

"I  am  counting  that  we  will  yet  bear  them 
company,"  Nathan  replied  cheerily.  "Even  a 
Tory  cannot  make  his  way  across  the  country 
without  leaving  a  trail,  and  now  that  we  know 
where  it  may  be  taken  up,  the  rest  ought  to  be 
easy." 

"  Unless  he  has  suddenly  lost  his  senses,  we 
cannot  follow  him  on  horseback.  If  I  was  try- 
ing to  escape  from  mounted  men,  it  would  not 
be  difficult  to  strike  such  a  course  as  should  be 
impossible  for  them  to  follow." 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  237 

"That  he  did  not  do  so  at  the  start  is  posi- 
tive, else  Abbott  would  never  have  sent  such 
word  by  his  wife,"  Nathan  replied,  heeding  not 
the  petulance  of  his  comrade.  "If  we  hold  to 
it  that  Ephraim  Sowers  has  made  his  escape, 
then  is  he  the  same  as  free,  but  I  shall  continue 
to  claim  we  have  fair  chance  of  overtaking  him, 
until  we  know  beyond  a  peradventure  that  he 
cannot  be  found.  Every  second  is  of  value  to 
us  now,  and  we'll  waste  no  more  time  in  idle 
talk." 

With  this  remark,  which  Evan  might  well 
have  construed  as  a  rebuke,  Nathan  struck  his 
horse  sharply  with  the  spurs,  and  the  two 
quickly  left  Mrs.  Abbott  far  in  the  rear. 


238  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 


CHAPTER  XL 

SUCCESS. 

In  silence  the  two  lads  rode  on  at  the  full 
speed  of  their  horses  until  they  were  come  to 
the  home  of  the  man  who  had  caused  so  much 
trouble  through  his  carelessness,  and  here 
Nathan  dismounted,  leading  his  steed  by  the 
bridle  as  he  made  a  complete  circuit  of  the 
building. 

To  boys  who  had  been  taught  the  art  of 
woodcraft  because  it  was  absolutely  necessary 
they  should  be  expert  in  following  a  trail  or 
hiding  one,  it  was  a  simple  matter  to  ascertain 
where  the  Tory  had  made  his  escape  from  tbe 
house,  and  at  what  point  he  struck  into  the 
woods,   although   a   person   ignorant    of    such 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  239 

matters  might  have  looked  in  vain  for  any  token 
of  the  flight. 

"  There's  no  need  of  spending  much  time  over 
such  a  plain  sign  as  that,"  Evan  said,  now 
recovered  somewhat  from  his  petulance,  for  hope 
that  they  might  soon  recapture  the  spy  had 
sprung  up  in  his  heart.  "  I  never  would  have 
believed  Ephraim  Sowers  was  such  a  simple  as 
to  thus  give  information  regarding  his  move- 
ments !  Surely  he  knew  Abbott  would  set  out 
at  once  in  pursuit,  and  yet  has  made  no  attempt 
to  hide  his  trail." 

"  He  is  a  coward  who  allows  his  fears  to  blind 
him  from  anything  except  immediate  danger. 
Having  seen  an  unexpected  opportunity  to  escape, 
he  takes  advantage  of  it,  and  thinks  only  of 
putting  a  great  distance  between  himself  and 
his  enemies.     We  shall  soon  ride  him  down  !" 

"  Unless  he  gathers  his  wits,  and  takes  to  the 
thicket  where  we  cannot  follow." 

"  Then  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  our  way 


240  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

on  foot,  and  I'll  warrant  that  we  travel  as  fast 
as  he  can.  But  I'm  not  allowing  he'll  gather 
his  wits  until  having  come  to  a  British  camp." 

During  this  brief  conversation  Nathan  re- 
mounted, and  the  two  rode  along  the  trail,  hav- 
ing no  difficulty  in  keeping  well  in  view  the 
signs  left  by  both  the  pursued  and  the  pursuer. 

Abbot  had  taken  good  care  not  to  cover  the 
footsteps  of  the  Tory,  and  to  leave  ample  token 
of  the  course  he  was  following;  therefore  it  was 
certain  the  lads  must  soon  come  upon  one  or  the 
other,  since  they  were  well  mounted. 

There  was  one  danger  Evan  had  failed  to 
realize,  but  which  was  strong  in  Nathan's  mind. 
If  Ephraim  could  retain  his  liierty  until  night 
came,  then  would  it  be  well-nigh  impossible  to 
follow  him  during  the  hours  of  darkness;  and 
this  very  important  fact  may  have  been  in  the 
spy's  mind  when  he  pushed  on  regardless  of 
thus  giving  good  proof  as  to  his  whereabouts  to 
those  who  might  come  in  pursuit. 


SARAH   DILLARD>S   RIDE.-  241 

Therefore  it  was  Nathan  rode  on  at  the  best 
speed  of  his  horse,  and  his  comrade  found  it 
difficult  to  maintain  the  pace,  consequently  there 
was  no  opportunity  for  conversation  during 
twenty  minutes  or  more,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  they  were  come  up  with  Abbott. 

That  the  trooper  was  suffering  keenest  mental 
distress  because  of  his  carelessness,  which  had 
permitted  of  the  spy's  escape,  could  readily  be 
seen  even  during  the  hurried  interview  they  held 
with  the  man. 

"You  are  come  in  good  time,  for  the  Tory 
can't  be  more  than  a  mile  ahead  of  us,"  he  said 
with  a  sis;h  of  relief.  "  The  sun  will  not  set  for 
two  hours,  and  long  before  then  you  should 
have  him  in  your  keeping  once  more." 

"  You  will  follow  as  close  as  may  be,  for  we 
count  on  turning  him  over  to  you  again  in  order 
that  we  may  ride  to  King's  Mountain  with  the 
American  force,"  Nathan  replied,  not  averse  to 
giving  bis  horse  a  brief  breathing  spell, 


242  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

u  You  may  be  certain  he  won't  get  out  of  iny 
sight  again  !  Any  other  might  have  had  the 
same  misfortune  as  I.  His  hands  were  bound, 
and  I  left  him  in  an  upper  room  while  I  made 
ready  the  chamber  that  was  to  serve  as  prison." 

"  Why  did  you  not  keep  him  with  you  ?" 
Evan  asked  sharply. 

"That  is  what  should  have  been  done,  as  I 
now  know  full  well ;  but  at  the  time  it  seemed 
as  if  the  lad  was  as  secure  as  if  surrounded  by 
a  troop  of  soldiers.  Certain  it  is  he  can't  free 
his  hands,  and,  therefore,  must  necessarily  travel 
slowly.  I  suppose  every  man  at  the  camp  bears 
down  heavily  upon  me  ?" 

Nathan  would  have  evaded  this  question ;  but 
Evan  was  minded  that  the  careless  soldier  should 
be  made  to  realize  how  great  was  his  offence, 
therefore  he  answered  bluntly  : 

"  I  believe  of  a  verity  you  would  have  been 
hanged  had  it  been  possible  for  the  men  to  get 
hold  of  you  when  the  news  of  the  escape  was 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  243 

first  brought  in.  If  Ephraim  Sowers  succeeds 
in  remaining  at  liberty,  the  attack  upon  King's 
Mountain  will  be  abandoned,  and  that  at  a  time 
when  it  might  have  been  a  success  but  for  your 
carelessness." 

"See  here,  Abbott,"  Nathan  added  sooth- 
ingly, "it  is  not  for  me  to  deny  the  truth  of 
what  Evan  says;  but  he  is  describing  that  first 
moment  of  disappointment.  Your  comrades 
have  grown  more  calm  by  this  time,  and  if  it 
so  be  we  overhaul  the  Tory,  it  is  Colonel 
McDowell's  orders  that  he  be  given  into  your 
custody  again." 

"  I'll  shoot  the  villain  rather  than  let  him  get 
a  dozen  yards  from  me,  if  he  falls  into  my 
clutches  once  more,  an'  I've  sworn  not  to  go 
home  inside  of  forty-eight  hours  without  him." 

It  was  in  Evan's  mind  to  say  that  it  would, 
have  been  better  had  Abbott  kept  a  close 
watch  of  his  prisoner,  in  which  case  such 
desperate  measures  would  not  now   be  neces- 


244  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE, 

sary;  but  be  realized  in  time  to  check  his  speech, 
that  harsh  words  were  of  no  avail  now  the 
mischief  was  done,  and  contented  himself  with 
the  caution : 

"It  will  be  well  to  remember  how  much 
trouble  has  been  caused,  if  we  are  so  fortunate 
as  to  catch  the  Tory.  My  fear  is  that  he  may 
succeed  in  giving  us  the  slip  after  all,  in  which 
case  the  attack  on  Major  Ferguson's  force  is 
frustrated  even  before  being  made." 

The  horses  had  been  allowed  as  long  a  resting 
spell  as  Nathan  thought  necessary,  and  he 
brought  the  interview  to  an  end  by  saying  as  he 
tightened  rein : 

"  We  shall  ride  the  trail  at  our  best  pace, 
and  do  you  follow  on  until  finding  that  we  are 
forced  to  leave  the  steeds,  when  it  will  be  known 
that  there  is  no  longer  a  hope  of  taking  him  in 
time  to  set  the  fears  of  our  people  at  rest  before 
the  hour  for  making  an  advance.  In  event  of 
our  coming  upon  him,  we  shall  be  glad  to  turn 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  245 

him  over  to  your  keeping  once  more,  as  soon  as 
may  be  possible." 

"  I'll  keep  mighty  near  your  horses'  heels, 
unless  you  ride  at  a  better  gait  than  I  believe 
will  be  possible.  Don't  hesitate  to  shoot  him 
down  if  you  get  within  range  and  find  there's  a 
chance  of  his  getting  the  best  of  the  chase." 

"There's  no  need  to  give  us  such  advice," 
Evan  replied  grimly.  "  Do  your  part  at  holding 
him,  if  it  so  be  you  have  another  chance." 

Nathan  had  urged  his  steed  forward,  and  the 
two  spurred  on  at  a  sharp  trot,  each  rider's  eyes 
fastened  upon  the  ground  where  could  be 
plainly  seen,  by  those  accustomed  to  such  work, 
the  footprints  of  the  Tory. 

Evan  was  rapidly  recovering  from  the  fit  of 

petulance  which  had  seized  upon  when  it  ap- 

,  peared    most  likely  they  would   be   shut  out 

from  riding    into    battle  with   the   American 

force. 

Now  it  began  to  seem  possible  they  might 


246  SARAH   DILLARD  S   RIDE. 

perform  the  task  set  theni  and  return  to  the 
encampment  before  the  advance  was  begun, 
unless  it  so  chanced  that  Ephraim  Sowers  sud- 
denly showed  sufficient  wit  to  seek  refuge  in  a 
thicket  where  the  horses  could  not  follow. 

Something  of  this  kind  Evan  said  to  his  com- 
rade as  they  rode  on  the  trail  nearly  side  by 
side,  and  the  latter  replied  cheerily  : 

"The  miserable  Tory  don't  dare  do  anything 
of  the  kind  lest  he  lose  his  way.  I  venture  to 
say  his  only  thought  is  that  Abbott  will  set  out 
in  pursuit  of  him,  rather  than  spend  time  by 
going  to  the  encampment,  therefore  he  has  only 
to  fear  what  one  man  afoot  may  be  able  to  do. 
It  hasn't  come  into  his  thick  head  that  the 
woman  could  be  sent  with  a  message,  while  her 
husband  took  to  the  trail,  therefore  he  will  hold 
to  the  open  path  until  hearing  the  hoof-beats  of 
our  horses." 

And  this  was  indeed  what  Ephraim  Sowers 
did,  as  his  pursuers  soon  learned. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  247 

Nathan  and  Evan  rode  swiftly  and  in  silence 
during  twenty  minutes  or  more  after  leaving 
Abbott,  understanding  full  well  that  the  trail 
was  growing  fresher  each  instant;  and  then  the 
former  saw  a  certain  suspicious  movers  ent  of 
branches  at  one  side  of  the  path  some  distance 
away. 

"  He  has  seen  us  J"  the  lad  cried  excitedly, 
spurring  his  horse  forward  until  he  came  to  that 
point  where  the  trail  suddenly  branched  off 
toward  the  thicket. 

There  could  be  no  question  but  that  the  Tory 
had  failed  of  hearing  the  noise  of  the  pursuit 
until  his  enemies  were  close  upon  him,  and 
then  he  did  what  he  should  have  done  an  hour 
before. 

There  was  not  a  second  to  be  lost,  for  once 
the  lad  was  so  far  in  advance  that  his  move- 
ments could  not  be  followed  by  the  motion  of 
the  foliage,  it  would  be  like  the  proverbial 
hunt  for  a  needle  in  a  haystack  to  find  him. 


248  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

u  Look  after  the  horses !"  Nathan  cried, 
reining  in  his  steed  and  leaping  to  the  ground 
musket  in  hand,  and  even  before  Evan  could- 
come  up,  although  but  a  few  paces  in  the  rear, 
Isaac  Shelby's  nephew  had  disappeared  in  the 
thicket. 

Young  McDowells  was  not  disposed  to  obey 
this  command  strictly.  He  cared  for  the  steeds 
by  hurriedly  tying  their  bridles  to  the  trunk  of 
a  tree,  and  after  a  delay  of  no  more  than  half  a 
minute,  followed  his  comrade  into  the  forest, 
with  musket  in  hand  ready  to  be  discharged  at 
the  first  glimpse  of  the  fugitive. 

So  close  behind  Nathan  was  Evan,  that  he 
could  readily  follow  his  movements  by  the  com- 
motion among  the  underbrush,  and,  with  a  sud- 
den burst  of  speed,  regardless  of  possible  acci- 
dent, he  succeeded  in  coming  close  to  his  com- 
rade's heels. 

"  Have  you  lost  sight  of  him  ?"  he  asked 
breathlessly. 


SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE.  249 

"  Not  a  bit  of  it !"  was  the  cheery  reply. 
"  There  is  little  fear  he  can  give  us  the  slip  now 
we  are  so  near  !" 

"  Why  don't  you  fire  on  the  chance  of  wing- 
ing him  ?  I  can  give  you  my  loaded  musket 
when  yours  is  empty." 

"  There's  no  need  of  wasting  a  cartridge 
upon  him ;  we  shall  soon  bring  the  villain  in 
sight." 

It  was  not  possible  to  carry  on  any  extended 
conversation  while  running  at  full  speed  among 
the  foliage,  at  great  risk  of  falling  headlong  over 
a  projecting  root,  or  being  stricken  down  by  a 
low-hanging  limb. 

They  were  gaining  in  the  chase  as  could 
readily  be  seen,  and  when  perhaps  ten  minutes 
had  passed  the  lads  were  so  near  that  it  seemed 
certain  Ephraim  could  be  no  more  than  a  dozen 
yards  in  advance. 

u  No  one  can  say  what  accident  may  happen 
at   any   moment   to  give   him  an  advantage  !" 


250  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

Evan  said  sharply,  speaking  with  difficulty  be- 
cause of  his  heavy  breathing.  "You  must 
bring  him  down  soon,  or  we  may  get  back  to 
the  encampment  too  late  !"    . 

No  suggestion  could  have  been  made  which 
would  have  had  greater  weight  than  this  and, 
raising  his  voice,  at  the  same  time  priming  the 
musket  as  he  ran,  Nathan  cried : 

"  Come  to  a  halt,  Ephraim  Sowers,  or  I  shall 

fire  !     At  this  short  range  there  is  little  clanger 

but  that  my   bullet  will   strike  its  target,  with 

such  good  token  of  your  whereabouts  as  you 

are  giving;  us." 
©       © 

The  Tory  made  no  reply ;  and  the  waving  of 
the  bushes  could  still  be  seen,  thus  showing 
that  he  had  not  obeyed  the  command. 

"  Do  not  delay,  but  shoot  at  once,  and  then 
exchange  muskets  with  Tie!"  Evan  cried  in  an 
agony  of  apprehension,  lest  some  unforeseen 
chance  give  the  fugitive  such  an  advantage  as 
they  could  not  overcome. 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  251 

Nathan  hesitated  no  longer.  Raising  the 
weapon  he  fired  in  a  line  with  the  moving  foli- 
age, and  the  report  of  the  musket  was  followed 
by  a  scream  as  of  pain. 

"  I'm  sorry  I  didn't  wait  a  few  minutes 
longer !"  the  lad  cried,  in  a  tone  of  deepest 
regret.  "Of  course  we  were  bound  to  stop 
him  ;  but  it  might'  have  been  done  without 
killing  !" 

Evan  shared  his  comrade's  regrets,  believ- 
ing Ephraim  had  been  seriously  if  not  danger- 
ously wounded,  and  the  two  ran  forward  with 
all  speed,  fully  expecting  to  find  their  enemy 
disabled  or  dead. 

Therefore  was  their  surprise  all  the  greater 
when  the  swaying  of  the  branches  told  that  the 
Tory  was  yet  able  to  keep  his  feet,  and  once 
more  Nathan  shouted,  this  time  in  a  tone  of 
anger : 

"  Halt,  or  I  shall  fire  again  !"  Give  me  your 
musket,  Evan,  and  do  you  load  this  one !     Work 


252  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE, 

* 

quickly,  for  I'm  not  minded  to  linger  over  the 
task  of  stopping  him !" 

The  exchange  of  weapons  was  made  without 
delay,  and  once  more  Nathan  fired.  Again 
came  a  scream  as  of  pain  from  the  fugitive ; 
but  this  time  the  pursuers  were  not  troubled 
in  mind  lest  they  had  needlessly  inflicted  pain. 

Nathan  leaped  forward  as  he  discharged  the 
musket,  and  an  instant  later  stood  face  to  face 
with  Ephraim  Sowers,  who,  with  a  rotten 
branch  upraised  as  a  club,  stood  at  bay  where  a 
perfect  network  of  trees,  that  had  most  likely 
been  overturned,  by  the  wind,  barred  his  further 
passage. 

"  I'll  beat  your  brains  out !"  Ephraim 
screamed  viciously,  brandishing  his  poor  apology 
for  a  weapon.  "  Don't  make  the  mistake  of 
thinkin'  I'll  be  carried  back  among  them 
rebels  !" 

"  You  had  better  give  in  peaceably,  for  we 
shan't  spend  much  time  in  arguing  the  matter," 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  253 

Nathan  said  decidedly;  but  yet  he  did  not 
advance  for  the  very  good  reason  that  he  was 
virtually  unarmed,  having  dropped  his  musket 
at  the  moment  of  emptying  it,  in  order  that  he 
might  not  be  impeded  in  his  movements. 

Because  he  remained  motionless,  Ephraim  be- 
lieved the  lad  was  afraid,  and  pressed  his  sup- 
posed advantage  by  crying,  in  a  tone  that  was 
very  like  the  snarl  of  a  cat : 

"  Keep  your  distance  or  I'll  kill  you  !  This 
club  will  stand  me  as  good  a  turn  as  the  empty 
muskets  do  you,  an'  I  count  on  using  it !" 

By  this  time  Evan  came  into  view  carrying 
both  weapons,  and,  seeing  that  the  game  was 
brought  to  bay  without  opportunity  of  continu- 
ing the  flight,  said  quietly : 

"  Keep  your  eye  on  him,  Nathan,  and  I'll 
soon  put  in  a  charge  that  will  bring  him  to 
terms." 

He  had  begun  to  load  the  musket  as  he 
spoke,   doing  so  with   deliberation  as   if  there 


254  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

was  no  good  reason  why  he  should  make  haste ; 
and  such  leisurely  movements  had  even  more 
effect  upon  the  Tory  than  did  the  show  of 
ammunition. 

"I  didn't  count  you  had  more  than  a  single 
charge,"  he  said,  with  a  whine. 

"It  seemed  odd  to  me  that  you  should  sud- 
denly have  plucked  up  so  much  courage," 
Nathan  replied  scornfully.  il  Even  though  our 
ammunition  had  been  exhausted,  you  could  not 
have  held  us  back  with  that  rotten  club.  Load 
carefully,  Evan,  for  I  don't  want  to  make  any 
mistake  as  to  aim  !" 

a  Are  you  countin'  on  killin'  me  VJ  Ephraim 
cried,  in  an  agony  of  terror,  flinging  down  his 
poor  weapon  and  holding  out  both  hands  in 
supplication.  "  Would  you  murder  a  fellow 
who  never  did  you  any  harm  T 

"You  are  the  veriest  coward  in  the  Caro- 
linas ;"  and  Nathan  spoke  in  a  tone  of  such  con- 
tempt that  even  the  thick-skinned  Tory  winced 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  255 

<l  Come  out  here,  and  we'll  make  certain  of 
taking  you  back  to  Broad  River !" 

The  Tory  meekly  obeyed,  making  no  show 
of  protest  lest  he  might  bring  down  the  anger 
of  his  captors  upon  himself ;  and  Evan  said,  as 
he  finished  loading  both  weapons  : 

"Do  you  walk  ahead,  Nathan,  and  let  him 
follow.  I'll  come  close  at  his  heels,  and  we'll 
spend  no  more  time  over  this  job  than  may  be 
necessary.  Abbott  should  be  near  at  hand  by 
the  time  we  get  back  to  the  trail. 

Ephraim  obeyed  in  silence  and,  because  he 
neither  begged  nor  whined,  the  boys  feared  lest 
he  had  some  plan  of  escape  in  his  mind. 

"Do  not  take  your  eyes  from  him  for  a  single 
instant,"  Nathan  cried  warningly  as  he  led  the 
way  in  the  manner  suggested  by  Evan,  "and 
shoot  at  the  first  suspicious  move  he  makes.  We 
have  done  this  work  in  short  order,  and  now  it 
will  be  because  of  our  own  carelessness  if  the 
troop  sets  off  without  us." 


256  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

"  Don't  think  that  I'm  going  to  be  so  foolish 
as  to  make  another  try  at  gettin'  away,"  Ephraim 
said  sulkily.  "There's  no  show  for  me  in  this 
section  of  the  country  while  the  king's  troops 
are  so  far  away,  an*  I  ain't  countin'  on  takin'  the 
chances  of  bein'  shot." 

"We  shan't  be  so  foolish  as  to  take  your 
word  for  it,"  Evan  replied.  "I'll  admit  that 
you  won't  make  much  of  a  fist  toward  escaping; 
but  time  is  precious  with  us  just  now,  and  we 
can't  afford  to  waste  any  in  chasing  you." 

From  that  moment  until  they  were  come  to 
the  trail  where  the  horses  had  been  left,  no 
word  was  spoken;  and  then  the  lads  were 
greeted  by  a  cry  of  joy  and  triumph  from 
Abbott,  who  had  just  come  into  view. 

"  I  knew  you'd  overhaul  him  !"  the  trooper 
said  exultantly ;  "  and  if  he  gives  me  the  slip 
again  there'll  be  good  reason  for  my  bein' 
hanged !" 

"  Do  you  think  it  will  be  safe  for  us  to  leave 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  £5? 

him  here  with  you  ?"  Nathan  asked,  as  if  un« 
decided  what  course  he  ought  to  pursuee 

"  I'll  answer  for  him  with  my  life  !  Don't 
think  there  is  any  chance  of  slipping  up  od  the 
work  again,  after  all  that's  been  in  my  mind 
since  he  got  away." 

After  a  brief  consultation  the  two  lads  con- 
cluded it  would  be  safe  to  leave  the  prisoner 
with  Abbott,  particularly  since  Colonel 
McDowells  had  so  instructed  them;  and  in  less 
than  two  hours  from  the  time  of  leaving  the 
encampment,  they  were  riding  back  at  full 
speed,  hoping  it  might  be  possible  to  arrive  be- 
fore the  force  had  started  on  the  march  toward 
King's  Mountain. 

And  in  this  they  were  successful. 

The  soldiers  were  on  the  point  of  setting  out 
when  the  lads  arrived,  and  the  reception  with 
which  they  were  met  can  well  be  imagined. 

As  soon  as  their  story  could  be  told,  and  it 
was  generally  understood  there  was  no  longer 


258  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

any  reason  to  fear  that  Ephraim  Sowers  might 
carry  information  of  their  movements  to  Major 
Ferguson,  the  command  was  in  motion,  with 
Nathan  and  Evan  riding  either  side  of  Colonel 
McDowells. 


In  the  report  of  the  battle,  which  is  signed 
by  Colonel  Benjamin  Cleav eland,  Colonel  Isaac 
Shelby,  and  Colonel  William  Campbell,  is  the 
following  account : 

"  We  began  our  march  with  nine  hundred  of 
the  best  men  about  eight  o'clock  the  same  even- 
ing, and,  marching  all  night,  came  up  with  the 
enemy  about  three  o'clock  p.m.  of  the  seventh, 
who  lay  encamped  on  the  top  of  King's  Moun- 
tain, twelve  miles  north  of  the  Cherokee  Ford, 
in  the  confidence  that  they  could  not  be  forced 
from  so  advantageous  a  post.  Previous  to  the 
attack,  on  our  march,  the  following  disposition 
was  made :  Colonel  Shelby's  regiment  formed  a 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  259 

column  in  the  center,  on  the  left ;  Colonel  Camp- 
bell's regiment  another  on  the  right,  with  part 
of  Colonel  Cleaveland's  regiment,  headed  in 
front  by  Major  Joseph  Winston;  and  Colonel 
Sevier's  formed  a  large  column  on  the  right 
wing.  The  other  part  of  Colonel  Cleaveland's 
regiment,  headed  by  Colonel  Cleaveland  him- 
self, and  Colonel  Williams'  regiment,  composed 
the  left  wing.  In  this  order  we  advanced,  and 
got  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  enemy 
before  we  were  discovered." 

Evan  and  Nathan  rode  by  the  side  of  the  lat- 
ter's  uncle,  and  as  Colonel  Shelby's  and  Colonel 
Cleaveland's  regiments  began  the  attack,  they 
were  the  first  in  action. 

"  I  am  growing  timorous,"  Evan  whispered  to 
Nathan  as  the  troops  began  the  ascent  of  the 
hill,  and  the  latter  replied : 

"A  fellow  who  spends  twenty-four  hours  in 
walking,  and  twenty-four  hours  in  riding,  with- 
out repose,  can  well  be  forgiven  for  losing  some 


260  SARAH  DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

portion  of  his  courage.  My  own  knees  are  not 
oversteady,  and  I  am  beginning  to  wonder 
whether  they  will  bear  me  oat  when  we  are 
within  range  of  British  lead." 

Five  minutes  later  Major  Ferguson's  force 
opened  fire,  and  Colonel  Isaac  Shelby  had  no 
cause  to  complain  of  the  lads'  behavior. 

As  Evan  afterward  admitted,  he  was  hardly 
conscious  of  what  he  did  from  the  moment  he 
saw  the  first  man  fall. 

One  of  the  troopers  reported  to  Colonel  Mc- 
Dowells, who  asked  concerning  his  son  after  the 
engagement  was  at  an  end  : 

"  The  two  boys  fought  side  by  side,  and  like 
veteran  soldiers.  I  saw  them  making  their  way 
up  the  hill  when  the  shot  was  flying  around 
them  like  hail,  and  it  was  as  if  neither  realized 
the  peril,  or,  realizing  it,  as  if  he  heeded  not  the 
possibility  that  deatli  might  come  at  any  instant. 
Never  faltering,  they  continued  the  ascent, 
pressing  close  on  Isaac  Shelby's  heels  until  they 


SARAH   DILLARD'S    RIDE.  261 

were  the  foremost,  fighting  hand  to  hand  with 
the  Britishers. 

"  They  were  within  a  dozen  feet  of  Colonel 
Williams  when  he  received  his  death  wound, 
and  then  the  redcoats  were  pressing  us  so  hotly 
that  no  man  dared  step  aside  to  aid  the  officer. 
Yet  these  two  went  out  of  their  course  to  give 
him  succor,  and,  finding  that  he  was  already 
unconscious,  pressed  forward  once  more.  I  was 
just  behind  them  when  we  arrived  at  the  spot 
where  Major  Ferguson  lay  dead." 

"Evan  feared  his  courage  might  fail  him 
when  in  the  heat  of  action,"  the  colonel  said 
half  to  himself,  and  the  trooper  replied  with 
emphasis : 

"  It  must  have  increased  rather  than  failed, 
colonel,  for  those  two  lads  shamed  many  a  man 
of  us  during  the  hour  and  live  minutes  which 
we  spent  grappling  with  the  Britishers.  Twice 
were  we  forced  to  fall  back ;  but  they  remained 
in  the  front  line,  and  each  time  when  we  rallied 


262  SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE. 

they  were  first  to  take  the  forward  step.  Not 
until  Colonel  Depuyster  hoisted  the  white  flag 
did  I  see  them  cease  their  efforts,  and  then,  the 
excitement  being  gone,  it  was  as  if  both  of  them 
collapsed,  and  little  wonder,  colonel,  for  if  you 
will  stop  to  think,  these  lads  spent  forty-eight 
hours  riding  and  walking  before  going  into  as 
hot  an  engagement  as  we  in  the  Carolinas  have 
ever  experienced." 

The  battle  of  King's  Mountain  came  to  an 
end  as  the  trooper  had  said,  in  one  hour  and 
five  minutes  after  it  began,  and  when  the  Amer- 
ican forces  were  drawn  up  in  line  it  was  found 
that  of  the  nine  hundred,  only  twenty  were 
killed ;  but  more  than  five  timet;  that  number 
had  been  wounded. 

Of  the  king  s  soldiers,  four  officers  and  fifteen 
privates  were  killed,  and  thirty-five  privates 
seriously  wounded.  Eighteen  officers  and  fif- 
teen privates  were  taken  prisoners.  Of  the 
Tories,  five  officers  and  two  hundred  and  one 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  263 

men  were  killed;  one  officer  and  one  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  men  wounded,  while  forty-eight 
officers  and  six  hundred  men  were  taken  pris- 
oners. 

According  to  the  official  report  of  that  en- 
gagement, only  twenty  of  Major  Ferguson's 
force  escaped,  and  among  that  number,  one — 
Ephraim  Sowers — could  be  accounted  for  as 
already  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

The  historian,  Lossing,  writes  regarding  this 
engagement : 

"  No  battle  during  the  war  was  more  obsti- 
nately contested  than  this ;  for  the  Americans 
were  greatly  exasperated  by  the  cruelty  of  the 
Tories,  and  to  the  latter  it  was  a  question  of 
life  or  death.  It  was  with  difficulty  that  the 
Americans,  remembering  Tarleton's  cruelty  at 
Buford's  defeat,  could  be  restrained  from 
slaughter,  even  after  quarter  was  asked. 

"  On  the  morning  after  the  battle  a  court- 
martial  was  held,  and  several  of  the  Tory  pris- 


264  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

oners  were  found  guilty  of  murder  and  other 
high  crimes  and  hanged.  Colonel  Cleaveland 
had  previously  declared  that  if  certain  persons, 
who  were  the  chief  marauders,  and  who  had 
forfeited  their  lives,  should  fall  into  his  hands, 
he  would  hang  them.  Ten  of  these  men  were 
suspended  upon  a  tulip  tree,  which  is  yet  stand* 
ing — a  venerable  giant  of  the  forest.  This  was 
the  closing  scene  of  the  battle  on  King's  Moun- 
tain, an  event  which  completely  crushed  the 
spirits  of  the  Loyalists,  and  weakened,  beyond 
recovery,  the  royal  power  in  the  Carolinas.  In- 
telligence of  the  defeat  of  Ferguson  destroyed 
all  Cornwallis'  hopes  of  Tory  aid.  He  instantly 
left  Charlotte,  retrograded,  and  established  his 
camp  at  Winnsborough,  in  Fairfield  District, 
between  the  Wateree  and  Broad  Elvers." 

It  was  because  of  Sarah  Dillard's  ride  that 
the  battle  of  King's  Mountain  became  possible, 
and  consequently  it  was  through  her  indirectly 


SARAH  DILLARD'S  RIDE.  265 

that  the  royal  power  in  the  Carolinas  was 
"  weakened  beyond  recovery." 

In  telling  the  story  of  her  brave  act,  it  has 
been  necessary  to  introduce  the  two  lads  who 
bore  so  honorable  a  part  in  that  brief  campaign, 
and  also  the  Tory  spy,  but  it  is  not  possible 
within  the  limits  of  this  tale  to  follow  the  ad- 
ventures of  the  two  young  Americans  who,  be- 
fore the  independence  of  the  United  States  was 
gained,  made  for  themselves  most  enviable 
records  amoug  most  gallant  men. 

At  some  time  in  the  future,  when  the  reader 
shall  be  ready  to  go  into  the  more  important 
engagements  with  Evan  and  Nathan,  a  further 
account  of  their  deeds  will  be  set  dowu,  and 
then  can  be  described  all  which  Ephraim  Sow  era 
finally  did  to  clear  his  name  of  the  taint  which 
had  been  put  upon  it  by  his  own  deeds. 

It  suffices  now  to  say  that  the  spy  was  held 
as  prisoner  by  Colonel  McDowells  for  two 
months  or  more,  when,  agreeably  to  his  sworn 


266  SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE. 

promise  that  lie  would  never  do  aught  against 
the  cause  of  freedom,  he  was  released  with  the 
understanding  that  he  should  leave  the  Caro- 
lina s  forever. 

Within  one  week  after  the  battle  of  King's 
Mountain  Nathan  and  Evan  were  regularly  en- 
rolled among  the  soldiers  under  Colonel  Charles 
McDowells'  command,  and  when  General  Corn- 
wallis  surrendered  were  among  the  troops  who 
had  contributed  to  that  officer's  discomfiture. 

It  was  on  the  day  set  for  the  formal  surren- 
der at  Yorktown  when  the  two  lads  were 
standing  side  by  side  in  the  ranks,  that  Evan 
whispered  to  his  comrade : 

"  Who  ever  dreamed  on  that  night  when 
Ephraim  Sowers  lorded  it  over  us  at  Captain 
Dillard's  home  that  we  should  stand  here  wait- 
ing to  see  the  proudest  general  among  all  the 
Britishers  give  up  his  sword  to  the  i  rebel '  com- 
mander ?" 

"  Do  you  know  that  this  victory  was  really 


SARAH   DILLARD'S   RIDE.  267 

begun  when  Sarah  Dillard  rode  over  the  moun- 
tain trail  to  Greene's  Spring,  for  from  that 
moment  all  General  Cornwallis'  power  in  the 
South  began  to  wane." 


THE   END. 


A*  L.  Burt's  Catalogue  of  Books  for 
Young  People  by  Popular  Writers,  52- 
58  Duane  Street,  New  York   ^    ^    ^ 


BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

Joe's  Luck:     A  Boy's  Adventures  in  California.     By 

Horatio  Alger,  Jr..    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

The  story  is  chock  fall  of  stirring  incidents,  while  the  amusing  situ- 
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Tom  the   Bootblack;  or,   The   Eoad  to   Success.     By; 

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A  bright,  enterprising  lad  was  Tom  the  Bootblack.  He  was  not  at  all 
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plan  failed,  and  Gilbert  Grey,  once  Tom  the  bootblack,  came  into  a  com- 
fortable fortune.     This   is   one   of   Mr.    Alger's   best   stories. 

Bail  the  Newsboy.     By    Horatio    Alger,   Jr.    12mo, 

cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Dan  Mordaunt  and  his  mother  live  in  a  poor  tenement,  and  the  lad  is 
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Tony  the  Hero:     A    Brave    Boy's    Adventure  with  a 

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Tony,  a  sturdy  bright-eyed  boy  of  fourteen,  is  under  the  control  of 
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By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr.    12mo,  cloth  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

The  career  of  "The  Errand  Boy"  embraces  the  city  adventures  of  a 
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subsequent  troubles.  A  retired  merchant  in  New  York  secures  him  the 
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Tom  Temple's  Career.    By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr.     12mo, 

cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Tom  Temple  is  a  bright,  self-reliant  lad.  He  leaves  Plympton  village 
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to  California.  Some  of  his  adventures  in  the  fur  west  ate  so  startling  that 
the  reader  will  scarcely  close  the  book  until  the  last  page  shall  have  been 
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Frank  Fowler,  a  poor  boy,  bravely  determines  to  make  a  living  for 
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This  tale  smacks  of  the  salt  sea.  From  the  moment  that  the  Sea 
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people    Mr.    Otis    is    a    prime    favorite. 

For  sale  by  all  book^elieis,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
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A.  E.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE.  X 

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Wrecked  on  Spider  Island;  or,  How  Ned  Rogers  Found 

the  Treasuie.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Ned  Rogers,  a  "down-east"  plucky  lad  ships  as  cabin  boy  to  earn 
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The  Search  for  the  Silver  City :  A  Tale  of  Adventure  in 

Yucatan.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1-00. 

Two  lads,  Teddy  Wright  and  Neal  Emery,  embark  on  the  steam 
yacht  Day  Dream  for  a  cruise  to  the  tropics.  The  yacht  is  destroyed 
by  fire,  and  then  the  boat  is  cast  upon  the  coast  of  Yucatan.  Tbey 
hear  of  the  wonderful  Silver  City,  of  the  Chan  Santa  Cruz  Indians, 
and  with  the  help  of  a  faithful  Indian  ally  carry  off  a  number  of  the 
golden  images  from  the  temples.  Pursued  with  relentless  vigor  at  lust 
their  escape  is  effected  in  an  astonishing  manner.  The  story  is  so 
full  of  exciting  incidents  that  the  reader  is  quite  carried  away  with 
the   novelty   and    realism   of   the   narrative. 

A    Runaway    Brig;  or,    An    Accidental    Cruise.     By 

James  Otis.    12rno,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1-00. 

This  is  a  sea  tale,  and  the  reader  can  look  out  upon  the  wide  shimmer- 
ing sea  as  it  flashes  back  the  sunlight,  and  imagine  himself  afloat  with 
Harry  Vandyne,  Walter  Morse,  Jim  Libby  and  that  old  shell-back,  Bob 
Brace,  on  the  brig  Bonita.  The  boys  discover  a  mysterious  document 
which  enables  them  to  find  a  buried  treasure.  They  are  stranded  on 
an  island  and  at  last  are  rescued  with  the  treasure.  The  boys  are  sure 
to  be  fascinated  with  this  entertaining  story. 

The     Treasure     Einders:      A     Boy's     Adventures     in 

Nicaragua.    By  James  Otis     12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1.00. 

Roy  and  Dean  Coloney,  with  their  guide  Tongla,  leave  their  father's 
indigo  plantation  to  visit  the  wonderful  ruins  of  an  ancient  city.  The 
boys  eagerly  explore  the  temples  of  an  extinct  race  and  discover  three 
golden  images  cunningly  hidden  away.  They  escape  with  the  greatest 
difficulty.  Eventually  they  reach  safety  with  their  golden  prizes.  We 
doubt  if  there  ever  was  written  a  more  entertaining  story  than  "The 
Treasure    Finders." 

Jack,  the  Hunchback.     A  Story  of  the  Coast  of  Maine. 

By  James  Otis.    Price  $1.00. 

This  is  the  story  of  a  little  hunchback  who  lived  on  Cape  Elizabeth, 
an  the  coast  of  Maine.  His  trials  and  successes  are  most  interesting. 
From  first  to  last  nothing  stays  the  interest  of  the  narrative.  It  bears  us 
along  as  on  a  stream  whose  current  varies  in  direction,  but  never  loses 
its   force. 

With  Washington  at  Monmouth:    A   Story   of   Three 

Philadelphia   Boys.     By  James  Otis.     12uio,    ornamental   cloth,    olivina 

edges,  illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Three  Philadelphia  lads  assist  the  American  spies  and  make  regular 
and  frequent  visits  to  Valley  Forge  in  the  Winter  while  the  British 
occupied  the  city.  The  story  abounds  with  pictures  of  Colonial  life 
skillfully  drawn,  and  the  glimpses  of  Washington's  soldiers  which  are 
given  shown  that  the  work  has  not  been  hastily  done,  or  without  con- 
siderable study.  The  story  is  wholesome  and  patriotic  in  tone,  as  are 
all    of    Mr.    Otis'    works. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT,   52-58  Duane  Street,  New  York, 


4  A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

With  Lafayette  at  Yorktown:  A  Story  of  How  Two 

Boys  Joined  the  Continental  Army.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  ornamental 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Two  lads  from  Portmouth,  N.  H.,  attempt  to  enlist  in  the  Colonial 
Army,  and  are  given  employment  as  spies.  There  is  no  lack  of  exciting 
incidents  which  the  youthful  reader  craves,  but  it  is  healthful  excite- 
ment brimming  with  facts  which  every  boy  should  be  familiar  with, 
and  while  the  reader  is  following  the  adventures  of  Ben  Jaffrays  and 
Ned  Allen  he  is  acquiring  a  fund  of  historical  lore  which  will  remain 
in  his  memory  long  after  that  which  he  has  memorized  from  text- 
books   has    been    forgotten. 

At  the  Siege  of  Havana.    Being  the  Experiences  of 

Three  Boys  Serving  under  Israel  Putnam  in  1762.    By  James  Otis.    12mo, 

ornamental  cloth,  olivine  edges,  illustrated,  price  $1.50. 
"At    the    Siege    of    Havana"    deals    with    that    portion   of   the    Island's 
history    when    the    English    king    captured    the    capital,    thanks    to    the 
assistance  given   by  the  troops  from   New   England,   led  in  part  by  Col. 
Israel    PutDam. 

The  principal  characters  are  Darius  Lunt,  the  lad  who,  represented  as 
telling  the  story,  and  his  comrades,  Robert  Clement  and  Nicholas 
Vallet.  Colonel  Putnam  also  figures  to  considerable  extent,  necessarily, 
In  the  tale,  and  the  whole  forms  one  of  the  most  readable  stories  founded  on 
historical    facts. 

The  Defense  of  Fort  Henry.       A  Story  of  Wheeling 

Creek  in  1777.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  ornamental  cloth,  olivine  edges, 

illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Nowhere  in  the  history  of  our  country  can  be  found  more  heroic  or 
thrilling  incidents  than  In  the  story  of  those  brave  men  and  women 
who  founded  the  settlement  of  Wheeling  in  the  Colony  of  Virginia.  The 
recital  of  what  Elizabeth  Zane  did  is  in  itself  as  heroic  a  story  as  cr.n 
be  imagined.  The  wondrous  bravery  displayed  by  Major  McCuIloch 
and  his  gallant  comrades,  the  sufferings  of  the  colonists  and  their  sacrifice 
of  blood  and  life,  stir  the  blood  of  old  as  well  as  young  readers. 

The  Capture  of  the  Laughing  Mary.     A  Story  of  Three 

New  York  Boys  in  1776.    By  James  Otis.    12cao,  ornamental  cioth,  olivine 

edges,  price  SI -50. 

"During  the  British  occupancy  of  New  York,  at  the  outbreak  of  the 
Revolution,  a  YanKee  lad  hears  of  the  plot  to  take  General  Washington^ 
person,  and  calls  in  two  companions  to  assist  the  patriot  cause.  They 
do  some  astonishing  things,  and,  incidentally,  lay  the  way  for  an 
American  navy  later,  by  the  exploit  which  gives  its  name  to  the 
work.  Mr.  Otis'  books  are  too  well  known  to  reuuire  any  particular 
commendation  to  the  young." — Evening  Post. 

With  Warren  at  Bunker  Hili.    A  Story  of  the  Siege  of 

Boston.     Bv  James  Otis.     12mo,  ornametnal  cloth,  olivine  edges,  illus- 
trated, price  SI. 50. 

"This  is  a  tale  of  the  siege  of  Boston,  which  opens  on  the  day  after 
the  doings  at  Lexington  and  Concord,  with  a  description  of  homi^  life 
in  Boston,  introduces  the  reader  to  the  British  camp  at  Charlestowrs, 
shows  Gen.  Warren  at  home,  describes  what  a  boy  thought  of  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  closes  with  the  raising  of  the  siege.  The 
three  heroes,  George  Wentworth,  Ben  Scarlett  and  an  old  ropemaker, 
incur  the  enmity  of  a  young  Tory,  who  causes  them  many  adventures 
the  boys  will  like  to  read." — Detroit  Free  Press. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.   L.   BURT,   52-58  Duane  Street,   New  York. 


A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOE  YOUNG  PEOPLE.  5 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

With  the  Swamp  Fos.     The  Story  of  General  Marion's 

Spies.    By  James  Otis.    ISmo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  story  deals  with  General  Francis  Marion's  heroic  struggle  in  the 
Carolinas.  General  Marion's  arrival  to  take  command  of  these  brave 
men  and  rough  riders  is  pictured  as  a  boy  might  have  seen  it,  and 
although  the  story  is  devoted  to  what  the  lads  did,  the  Swamp  Fox 
is   ever   present    in    the   mind    of    the    reader. 

On  the  Kentucky  Frontier.     A  Story  of  the  Fighting 

Pioneers  of  the  West.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1. 

In  the  history  of  our  country  there  is  no  more  thrilling  story  than 
that  of  the  work  done  on  the  Mississippi  river  by  a  handful  of  frontiers- 
men. Mr.  Otis  takes  the  reader  on  that  famous  expedition  from  the 
arrival  of  Major  Clarke's  force  at  Corn  Island,  until  Kaskaskia  was 
captured.  He  relates  that  part  of  Simon  Kenton's  life  history  which 
is  not  usually  touched  upon  either  by  the  historian  or  the  story  teller. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  entertaining  books  for  young  people  which  has 
been    published. 

Sarah  Dillard's  Ride.      A   Story  of   South   Carolina  in 

in  1780.    By  James  Otis.     l2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

"This  book  deals  with  the  Carolinas  in  1780,  giving  a  wealth  of  detail  of 
the  Mountain  Men  who  struggled  so  valiantly  against  the  king's  troops. 
Major  Ferguson  is  the  prominent  British  officer  of  the  story,  which  is 
told  as  though  coming  from  a  youth  who  experienced  these  adventures. 
In  this  way  the  famous  ride  of  Sarah  Dillard  is  brought  out  as  an 
incident  of  the  plot." — Boston  Journal. 

A  Tory  Plot.     A  Story  of  the  Attempt  to  Kill  General 

Washington.    By  James  Otis.    l2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1. 00. 

"  'A  Tory  Plot'  is  the  story  of  two  lads  who  overhear  something 
of  the  plot  originated  during  the  Revolution  by  Gov.  Try  on  to  capture 
or  murder  Washington.  They  communicate  their  knowledge  to  Gen. 
Putnam  and  are  commissioned  by  him  to  play  the  role  of  detectives 
in  the  matter.  They  do  so,  and  meet  with  many  adventures  and  hair- 
breadth escapes.  The  boys  are,  of  course,  mythical,  but  they  serve  to  en- 
able the  author  to  put  into  very  attractive  shape  much  valuable  knowledge 
concerning  one  phase  of  the  Revolution." — Pittsburgh  Times, 

A  Traitor's  Escape.     A  Story  of  the  Attempt  to  Seize 

Benedict  Arnold.    By  James  Otis.     12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  SI. 00. 

"This  is  a  tale  with  stirring  scenes  depicted  in  each  chapter,  bringing 
clearly  before  the  mind  the  glorious  deeds  of  the  early  settlers  in  this 
country.  In  an  historical  work  dealing  with  this  country's  past,  no 
plot  can  hold  the  attention  closer  than  this  one,  which  describes  the 
attempt  and  partial  success  of  Benedict  Arnold's  escape  to  New  York, 
where  he  remained  as  the  guest  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  All  those  who 
actually  figured  in  the  arrest  of  the  traitor,  as  well  as  Gen.  Washing- 
ton, are  included  as  characters." — Albany  Union. 

A  Cruise  with  Paul  Jones.     A  Story  of  Naval  Warfare 

in  1776.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  SI. 00. 

"This  story  takes  up  that  portion  of  Paul  Jones'  adventurous  life 
when  he  was  hovering  off  the  British  coast,  watching  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  strike  the  enemy  a  blow.  It  deals  more  particularly  with 
his  descent  upon  Whitehaven,  the  seizure  of  Lady  Selkirk's  plate,  and 
the  famous  battle  with  the  Drake.  The  boy  who  figures  in  the  tale 
Is  one  who  was  taken  from  a  derelict  by  Paul  Jones  shortly  after  this 
particular  cruise  was  begun." — Chicago  Inter-Ocean. 


For  sale  by  all  booksellers,   or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT,  62-58  Duane  Street,  New  York. 


6  £.  E.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

Corporal  lige's  Recruit.     A  Story  of  Crown  Point  and 

Ticonderoga.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1,00. 

"In  'Corporal  Lige's  Recruit,'  Mr.  Otis  tells  the  amusing  story  of  an 
old  soldier,  proud  of  his  record,  who  had  served  the  king  in  '58,  and  who 
takes  the  lad,  Isaac  Rice,  as  his  'personal  recruit.'  The  lad  acquits 
himself  superbly.  Col.  Ethau  Allen  'in  the  name  of  God  and  the  con- 
tinental congress,'  infuses  much  martial  spirit  into  the  narrative,  which 
will  arouse  the  keenest  interest  as  it  proceeds.  Crown  Point.  Ticon- 
deroga,  Benedict  Arnold  and  numerous  other  famous  historical  names 
appear  in  this  dramatic  tale." — Boston  Globe. 

Morgan,  the  Jersey  Spy.  A  Story  of  the  Siege  of  York- 
town  in  1781.  By  James  Otis.  12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1.00. 
"The  two  lads  who  are  utilized  by  the  author  to  emphasize  the  details 
of  the  work  done  during  that  memorable  time  were  real  boys  who  lived 
on  the  banks  of  the  York  river,  and  who  aided  the  Jersey  spy  in  his 
dangerous  occupation.  In  the  guise  of  fishermen  the  lads  visit  York- 
town,  are  suspected  of  being  spies,  and  put  under  arrest.  Morgan  risks 
his  life  to  save  them.  The  final  escape,  the  thrilling  encounter  with  a 
squad  of  red  coats,  when  they  are  exposed  equally  to  the  bullets  of 
friends  and  foes,  told  in  a  masterly  fashion,  makes  of  this  volume  one 
of  the  most  entertaining  books  of  the  year." — Inter-Ocean. 

The  Young  Scout:  The  Story  of  a  West  Point  Lien- 
tenant.  By  Edward  S.  Ellis.  12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 
The  crafty  Apache  chief  Geronimo  but  a  few  years  ago  was  the 
most  terrible  scourge  of  the  southwest  border.  The  author  has  woven, 
in  a  tale  of  thrilling  interest,  all  the  incidents  of  Geronimo's  last  raid. 
The  hero  is  Lieutenant  James  Decker,  a  recent  graduate  of  West  Point. 
Ambitious  to  distinguish  himself  the  young  man  takes  many  a  desperate 
chance  against  the  enemy  and  on  more  than  one  occasion  narrowly 
escapes  with  his  life.  In  our  opinion  Mr.  Ellis  is  the  best  writer  of 
Indian    stories    now    before    the    public. 

Adrift  in  the  Wilds:  The  Adventures  of  Two  Ship- 
wrecked Boys.  By  Edward  S.  Ellis.  12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  Si -00. 
Elwood  Brandon  and  Howard  Lawrence  are  en  route  for  San  Fran- 
cisco. Off  the  coast  of  California  the  steamer  takes  fire.  The  two  boys 
reach  the  shore  with  several  of  the  passengers.  Young  Brandon  be- 
comes separated  from  his  party  and  is  captured  by  hostile  Indians, 
but  is  afterwards  rescued.  This  is  a  very  entertaining  narrative  of 
Southern    California. 

A  Young  Hero;  or,  Fighting  to  Win.    By  Edward  S. 

Ellis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  story  tells  how  a  valuable  solid  silver  service  was  stolen  from 
the  Misses  Perkinpine,  two  very  old  and  simple  minded  ladies.  Fred 
Sheldon,  the  hero  of  this  story,  undertakes  to  discover  the  thieves  and 
have  them  arrested.  After  much  time  spent  in  detective  work,  he 
succeeds  in  discovering  the  silver  plate  and  winning  the  reward.  The 
story  is  told  in  Mr.  Ellis'  most  fascinating  style.  Every  boy  will  be 
glad  to  read  this  delightful  book. 

Lost  in  the  Rockies.     A  Story  of  Adventure  in  the 

Rocky  Mountains.    By  Edward  S.  Ellis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1. 

Incident    succeeds    incident,     and    adventure    is    piled    upon    adventure, 

and    at    the    end    the    reader,    be    ho    boy    or    man,    will   have    experienced 

breathless  enjoyment  in  this  romantic  story  describing  many  adventures  in 

the   Rockie3  and  among  the   Indians. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT,  52-58  Duane  Street,  New  York. 


A.  l.  bust's  books  for  young  people.       7 
BOOKS  FOR  BOYST"  ~~~ 

A  Jaunt  Through  Java:     The  Story  of  a  Journey  to 

the  Sacred  Mountain.    By  Edward  S.  Ellis.    12uio,  cloth,  illustrated, 

price  $1.00. 

The  interest  of  this  story  is  found  in  the  thrilling  adventures  of 
two  cousins,  Hermon  and  Eustace  Hadley,  on  their  trip  acrosss  the  island 
of  Java,  from  Samarang  to  the  Sacred  Mountain.  In  a  land  where  the 
Royal  Bengal  tiger,  the  rhinoceros,  and  other  fierce  beasts  are  to  be 
met  with,  it  is  but  natural  that  the  heroes  of  this  book  should  have  a 
lively  experience.     There  is  not  a  dull  page  in  th&  book. 

The  Boy  Patriot.     A  Story  of  Jack,  the  Young  Friend 

of  Washington.    By  Edward  S.  Ellis.    12nio,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  illus- 
trated, price  $1.50. 

"There  are  adventures  of  al  kinds  for  the  hero  and  his  friends,  whose 
pluck  and  ingenuity  in  extricating  themselves  from  awkward  fixes  are 
always  equal  to  the  occasion.  It  is  an  excellent  story  full  of  honest, 
manly,  patriotic  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  hero.  A  very  vivid  description 
of  the  battle  of  Trenton  is  also  found  in  this  story."— Journal  of 
Education. 

A  Yankee  Lad's  Pluck.     How  Bert  Larkin  Saved  his 

Father's  Ranch  in  Porto  Rico.    By  Wm.  P.  Chipman.    12mo,  cloth,  illus- 
trated, price  ^1. 00. 

"Bert  Larkin,  the  hero  of  the  story,  early  excites  our  admiration, 
and  is  altogether  a  fine  character  such  as  boys  will  delight  in,  whilst 
the  story  of  his  numerous  adventures  is  very  graphically  told.  This 
will,  we  think,  prove  one  of  the  most  popular  boys'  books  this  season." — 
Gazette. 

A  Brave  Defense.     A   Story  of  the   Massacre  at   Fort 

Griswold  in  1781.    By  William  P.  Chipman.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price 

$1.00. 

Perhaps  no  more  gallant  fight  against  fearful  odds  took  place  during 
the  Revolutionary  War  than  that  at  Fort  Griswold,  Groton  Heights,  Conn., 
in  1781.  The  boys  are  real  boys  who  were  actually  on  the  muster  rolls, 
either  at  Fort  Trumbull  on  the  New  London  side,  or  of  Fort  Griswold  on 
the  Groton  side  of  the  Thames.  The  youthful  reader  who  follows  Halssy 
Sanford  and  Levi  Dart  and  Tom  Malleson,  and  their  equally  brave  com- 
rades, through  their  thrilling  adventures  will  be  learning  something  more 
than  historical  facts;  they  will  be  imbibing  lessons  of  fidelity,  of  bravery, 
of  heroism,  and  of  manliness,  which  must  prove  serviceable  in  the  arena 
of  life. 

The  Young  Minuteman.     A  Story  of  the  Capture  of 

General  Prescott  in  1777.    By  William  P.  Chipman.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated, 

price  $1.00. 

This  story  is  based  upon  actual  events  which  occurred  during  the  British 
occupation  of  the  waters  of  Narragansett  Bay.  Darius  Wale  and  William 
Northrop  belong  to  "the  coast  patrol."  The  story  is  a  strong  one,  dealing 
only  with  actual  events.  There  is,  however,  no  lack  of  thrilling  adventure, 
and  every  lad  who  is  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  the  book  will  find  not 
only  that  his  historical  knowledge  is  increased,  but  that  his  own  patriotism 
and  love  of  country  are  deepened. 

For  the  Temple:     A  Tale  of  the  Fall  of  Jerusalem. 

By  G.  A.  Henty.  With  illustrations  by  S.  J.  Solomon.  12mo,  cloth,  olivine 
edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Mr.  Henty's  graphic  prose  picture  of  the  hopeless  Jewish  resistance 
to  Roman  sway  arlds  another  leaf  to  his  record  of  the  famous  wars  of 
the  world.     The  boob   is  one  of  Mr.    Plenty's  cleverest  efforts." — Graphic. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L,   BURT,  62-58  Duane  Street,  New  Xork, 


8  A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

Boy  Gilbert's  Search :    A  Tale  of  the  Great  Lakes.    By 

Wm.  P.  Chipman.     12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1.00. 

A  deep  mystery  hangs  over  the  parentage  of  Roy  Gilbert.  He  arranges 
with  two  schoolmates  to  make  a  tour  of  the  Great  Lakes  on  a  steam 
launch.  The  three  boys  visit  many  points  of  interest  on  the  lakes. 
Afterwards  the  lads  rescue  an  elderly  gentleman  and  a  lady  from  a  sink- 
ing yacht.  Later  on  the  boys  narrowly  escape  with  their  lives.  The 
hero  is  a  manly,  self-reliant  boy,  whose  adventures  will  be  followed 
with    interest. 

The  Slate  Picker:     The  Story  of  a  Boy's  Life  in  the 

Coal  Mines.    By  Harry  Prentice.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  is  a  story  of  a  boy's  life  in  the  coal  mines  of  Pennsylvania. 
Ben  Burton,  the  hero,  had  a  hard  road  to  travel,  but  by  grit  and  energy 
he  advanced  step  by  step  until  he  found  himself  called  upon  to  fill  the 
position  of  chief  engineer  of  the  Kohinoor  Coal  Company.  This  is  a 
book  of  extreme  interest  to  every  boy   reader. 

The  Boy  Cruisers;  or,  Paddling  in  Florida.     By  St. 

George  Rathboune.  12rno,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00 
Andrew  George  and  Rowland  Carter  start  on  a  canoe  trip  along  the 
Gulf  coast,  from  Key  West  to  Tampa,  Florida.  Their  first  adventure 
is  with  a  pair  of  rascals  who  steal  their  boats.  Next  they  run  into 
a  gale  in  the  Gulf.  After  that  they  have  a  lively  time  with  alli- 
gators and  Andrew  gets  into  trouble  with  a  band  of  Seminole  Indians. 
Mr.  Rathborne  knows  just  how  to  interest  the  boys,  and  lads  who  are 
in  search  of  a  rare  treat  will  do  well  to  read  this  entertaining  story. 

Captured  by  Zulus:     A  Story  of  Trapping  in  Africa. 

By  Harry  Prentice.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1.00. 

This  story  details  the  adventures  of  two  lads,  Dick  Elsworth  and  Bob 
Rarv^y,  in  the  wilds  of  South  Africa.  By  stratagem  the  Zulus  capture 
Dick  and  Bob  and  take  them  to  their  principal  kraal  or  village.  The 
lads  escape  death  by  dig  ing  their  way  out  of  the  prison  hut  by  night. 
They  are  pursued,  but  the  Zulus  finally  give  up  pursuit.  Mr.  Prentice 
tells  exactly  how  wild-beast  collectors  secure  specimens  on  their  native 
stamping  grounds,   and  these  descriptions  make  very  entertaining  reading. 

Tom  the  Ready;  or,  Up  from  the  Lowest.     By  Ran- 
dolph Hill.    12mc,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  is  a  dramatic  narrative  of  the  unaided  rise  of  a  fearless,  ambi- 
tious boy  from  the  lowest  round  of  fortune's  ladder  to  wealth  and  the 
governorship  of  his  native  State.  Tom  Seacomb  begins  life  with  a  pur- 
pose, and  eventually  overcomes  those  who  oppose  him.  How  he  manages 
to  win  the  battle  is  told  by  Mr.  Hill  in  a  masterfrl  way  that  thrills 
the  reader  and  holds  his  attention  and  sympathy  to  the  end. 

Captain  Kidd's  Gold:     The  True  Story  of  an  Adven- 

turous  Sailor  Boy.    By  James  Franklin  Fitts.    li?mo,  cloth,  illustrated, 

price  gl.CO. 

There  is  something  fascinating  to  the  average  youth  in  the  very  idea 
of  buried  treasure.  A  vision  arises  before  his  eyes  of  swarthy  Portu- 
guese and  Soanish  rascals,  with  black  beards  and  gleaming  eyes.  There 
were  many  famous  sea  rovers,  but  none  more  celebrated  than  Capt.  Kirid. 
Paul  Jones  Garry  inherits  a  document  which  locates  a  considerable 
treasure  buried  by  two  of  Kidd's  crew.  The  hero  of  this  book  is  an 
ambitious,  persevering  lad,  of  salt-water  New  England  ancestry,  and  his 
efforts  to  reach  the  island  and  secure  the  money  form  oo**  of  the  most 
absorbing    tales    for    our    youth    that    has    come    from    the    press. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  tiirf 
publisher,  A.   L.   BURT,   52-58  Duane  Street,   New  York. 


A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE.  9 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

The  Boy  Explorers:     The  Adventures  of  Two  Boys  in 

Alaska.    By  Harry  Prentice.    l2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Two  boys,  Raymond  and  Spencer  Manning,  travel  to  Alaska  to  join 
their  father  in  search  of  their  uncle.  On  their  arrival  at  Sitka  the  boys 
with  an  Indian  guide  set  off  across  the  mountains.  The  trip  is  fraught 
with  perils  that  test  the  lads'  courage  to  the  utmost.  All  through  their 
exciting  adventures  the  lads  demonstrate  what  can  be  accomplished  by 
pluck  and  resolution,  and  their  experience  makes  one  of  the  most  in- 
teresting   tales   ever   written. 

The    Island    Treasure;    or,    Harry    Barrel's    Fortune. 

By  Frank  H.  Converse.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1-00. 

Harry  Darrel,  having  received  a  nautical  training  on  a  school-ship,  is 
bent  on  going  to  sea.  A  runaway  horse  changes  his  prospects.  Harry 
saves  Dr.  Gregg  from  drowning  and  afterward  becomes  sailing-master 
of  a  sloop  yacht.  Mr.  Converse's  stories  possess  a  charm  of  their  own 
which  is  appreciated  by  lads  who  delight  in  good  healthy  tales  that 
smack   of   salt   water. 

Guy  Harris:     The  Runaway.     By  Harry  Castlemon. 

12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Guy  Harris  lived  in  a  small  city  on  the  shore  of  one  of  the  Great 
Lakes.  He  is  persuaded  to  go  to  sea,  and  gets  a  glimpse  of  the  rough 
side  of  life  in  a  sailor's  boarding  house.  He  ships  on  a  vessel  and  for 
five  months  leads  a  hard  life.  The  book  will  interest  boys  generally 
on  account  of  its  graphic  style.  This  is  one  of  Castlemon's  most  attract- 
ive stories. 

Julian  Mortimer:     A  Brave  Boy's  Struggle  for  Home 

and  Fortune.    By  Harry  Castlemon.    12rno,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  Si. 

The  scene  of  the  story  lies  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  in  the  days 
when  emigrants  made  their  perilous  way  across  the  great  plains  to  the 
land  of  gold.  There  is  an  attack  upon  the  wagon  train  by  a  large  party 
of  Indians.  Our  hero  is  a  .'ad  of  uncommon  nerve  and  pluck.  Befriended 
by  a  stalwart  trapper,  a  real  rough  diamond,  our  hero  achieves  the  most 
happy  results. 

By  Pike  and  Dyke:     A  Tale  of  the  Eise  of  the  Dutch 

Republic.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With   illustrations   by   Mavnard   Brown. 

12mo,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1-00. 

"Boys  with  a  turn  for  historical  research  will  be  enchanted  with  the 
book,  while  the  rest  who  only  care  for  adventure  will  be  students  in  spite 
of  themselves." — St.    James's   Gazette. 

St.  George  for  England:  A  Tale  of  Cressy  and  Poi- 
tiers. By  G.  A.  Henty.  With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.  12mo, 
cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  Si -00. 

"A  story  of  very  great  interest  for  boys.  In  his  own  forcible  style 
the  author  has  endeavored  to  show  that  determination  and  enthusiasm 
can  accomplish  marvellous  results;  and  that  courage  is  generally  accom- 
panied  by   magnanimity   and  gentleness." — Pall  Mall   Gazette. 

Captain  Bayley's  Heir:     A  Tale  of  the  Gold  Fields  of 

California.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  H.  M.  Paget.    12mo> 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  SI. 00. 

"Mr.  Henty  is  careful  to  mingle  instruction  with  entertainment;  and 
the  humorous  touches,  especially  in  the  sketch  of  John  Holl,  the  West- 
minster dustman,  Dickens  himself  could  hardly  have  excelled." — Chris- 
tian Leader.  

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT,  52-58  Duane  Street,  New  York. 


10       A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOE  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYST 

Budd  Boyd's  Triumph;  or,  The  Boy  Firm  of  Fox  Island. 

By  William  P.  Chiphan.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

The  scene  of  this  story  is  laid  on  the  upper  part  of  Narragansett  Bay, 
and  the  leading  incidents  have  a  strong  salt-water  flavor.  The  two 
boys,  Budd  Boyd  and  Judd  Floyd,  being  ambitious  and  clear  sighted, 
form  a  partnership  to  catch  and  sell  fish.  Budd's  pluck  and  good  sense 
carry  him  through  many  troubles.  In  following  the  career  of  the  boy 
firm  of  Boyd  &  Floyd,  the  youthful  reader  will  find  a  useful  lesson — 
that  industry  and  perseverance  are  bound  to  lead  to  ultimate  success. 

Lost  in  the  Canyon:     Sam  Willett's  Adventures  on  the 

Great  Colorado.  By  Alfred  It,  Calhoun.  12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1, 
This  story  hinges  on  a  fortune  left  to  Sam  Willett,  the  hero,  and  the 
fact  that  it  will  pass  to  a  disreputable  relative  if  the  lad  dies  before 
he  shall  have  reached  his  majority.  The  story  of  his  father's  peril  and 
of  Sam's  desperate  trip  down  the  great  canyon  on  a  raft,  and  how  the 
party  finally  escape  from  their  perils  is  described  in  a  graphic  style 
that  stamps  Mr.  Calhoun  as  a  master  of  his  art. 

Captured  by  Apes :      The  Wonderful  Adventures  of  a 

Young  Animal  Trainer.    By  Harry  Prentice.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated. 

price  $1.00. 

Philip  Garland,  a  young  animal  collector  and  trainer,  sets  sail  for 
Eastern  seas  in  quest  of  a  new  stock  of  living  curiosities.  The  vessel 
is  wrecked  off  the  coast  of  Borneo,  and  young  Garland  is  cast  ashore 
on  a  small  island,  and  captured  by  the  aoes  that  overrun  the  place. 
Very  novel  indeed  is  the  way  by  which  the  young  man  escapes  death. 
Mr.  Prentice  is  a  writer  of  undoubted  skill. 

Under  Drake's  Flag:     A  Tale  of  the  Spanish  Main. 

By  G.  A.  Henty.     With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.     12mo,  cloth, 

olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"There  is  not  a  dull  chapter,  nor,  Indeed,  a  dull  page  in  the  book;  but 
the  author  has  so  carefully  worked  up  his  subject  that  the  exciting 
deeds  of  his  heroe3  are  never  incongruous  nor  absurd." — Observer. 

By  Sheer  Pluck:    A  Tale  of  the  Ashanti  War.    By 

G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.    12mo,  cloth,  olivine 

edges,  price  $1.00. 

The  author  has  woven,  In  a  tale  of  thrilling  interest,  all  the  details 
of  the  Ashanti  campaign,  of  which  he  was  himself  a  witness. 

"Mr.  Henty  keeps  up  his  reputation  as  a  writer  of  boys'  stories.  'By 
Sheer  Pluck'  will  be  eagerly  read." — Athenaeum. 

With  Lee  in  Virginia :    A  Story  of  the  American  Civil 

War.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.    12mo, 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"One  of  the  best  stories  for  lads  which  Mr.  Henty  has  yet  written. 
The  picture  is  full  of  life  and  color,  and  the  stirring  and  romantic  inci- 
dents are  skillfully  blended  with  the  personal  interest  and  charm  of  the 
story." — Standard. 

By  England's  Aid;  or,  The  Freeing  of  the  Netherlands 

(1585-1604).    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Alfred  Pearse.    12mo> 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"It  is  an  admirable  book  for  youngsters.  It  overflows  with  stirring 
incident  and  exciting  adventure,  and  the  color  of  the  era  and  of  the 
scene  are  finely  reproduced.  The  illustrations  add  to  its  attractiveness." — 
Boston   Gazette. ^^^^^^^^ 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BUET,  58-58  Duane  Street,  New  York. 


£.  L.  BURT^S  BOOKS  FOE  YOUNG  PEOPLE.        11 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

By  Eight  of  Conquest;  or,    With    Cortez  in   Mexico. 

By  G.   A.   Hesty.    Willi  illustrations  by  W.  S.  Stacey.    12mo,  cloth, 

olivine  edges,  price  $1-50. 
"The  conquest  of  Mexico  by  a  small  band  of  resolute  men  under  the 
magnificent  leadership  of  Cortez  is  always  rightfully  ranked  among  the  most 
romantic  and  daring  exploits  in  history.  'By  R«?ht  of  Conquest'  is  the 
neaiest  approach  to  a  perfectly  successful  historical  tale  that  Mr.  Henty 
has  yet  published."— Academy. 

Tor  Name  and  Fame;   or,  Through  Afghan  Passes. 

By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.    12nio,  cioth, 

olivine  edges,  price  $1. 00. 

"Not  only  a  rousing  story,  replete  with  all  the  varied  forms  of  excite- 
ment of  a  campaign,  but,  what  is  still  more  useful,  an  account  of  a 
territory  and  its  inhabitants  which  must  for  a  long  time  possess  a  supreme 
interest  for  Englishmen,  as  being  the  key  to  our  Indian  Empire."— 
Glasgow  Herald. 

The  Bravest  of  the  Brave;  or,  With  Peterborough  in 

Spain.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  H.  M.    Paget.    12mo 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Mr.  Henty  never  loses  sight  of  the  moral  purpose  of  his  work — to 
enforce  the  doctrine  of  courage  and  truth,  mercy  and  loving  kindness, 
as  indispensable  to  the  making  of  a  gentleman.  Boys  will  read  'The 
Bravest  of  the  Brave'  with  pleasure  and  profit;  of  that  we  are  quite 
sure." — Daily    Telegraph. 

The  Cat  of  Bubastes :  A  Story  of  Ancient  Egypt.    By 

G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations.    12mo,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"The  story,  from  the  critical  moment  of  the  killing  of  the  sacred  cat 
to  the  perilous  exodus  into  Asia  with  which  it  closes,  is  very  skillfully 
constructed  and  full  of  exciting  adventures.  It  is  admirably  illustrated." 
— Saturday  Review. 

Bonnie  Prince  Charlie :    A  Tale  of  Fontenoy  and  Cul- 

loden.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Brovne.    12mo, 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Ronald,  the  hero,  is  very  like  the  hero  of  'Quentin  Durward.'  The 
lad's  journey  across  France,  and  his  hairbreadth  escapes,  makes  up  as 
good  a  narrative  of  the  kind  as  we  have  ever  read.  For  freshness  of 
treatment  and  variety  of  incident  Mr.  Henty  has  surpassed  himself."— 
Spectator. 

With  Clive  in  India ;  or,  The  Beginnings  of  an  Empire. 

By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.    12mo,  cloth, 

olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"He  has  taken  a  period  of  Indian  history  of  the  most  vital  impor- 
tance, and  he  has  embroidered  on  the  historical  facts  a  story  which  of 
itself  is  deeply  interesting.  Young  people  assuredly  will  be  delighted 
with   the  volume."— Scotsman. 

In  the  Reign  of  Terror:  The  Adventures  of  a  West- 
minster Boy.  By  G.  A.  Henty.  With  illustrations  by  J.  SchSnberg. 
12mo,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Harry  Sandwith,  the  Westminster  boy,  may  fairly  be  said  to  beat 
Mr.  Henty's  record.  His  adventures  will  delight  boys  by  the  audacity 
and  peril  they  depict.  The  story  is  one  of  Mr.  Henty's  best." — Saturday 
Review. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BUST,  62*58  Duane  Street,  New  York, 


12       'A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

The  Lion  of  the  N  orth :    A  Tale  of  Gustavus  Adolphus 

and  the  Wars  of  Religion,    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  John 

Schonberg.    12mo,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"A  praiseworthy  attempt  to  interest  British  youth  in  the  great  deeds 
cf  the  Scotch  Brigade  in  the  wars  of  Gustavus  Adolphus.  Mackey,  Hep- 
burn, and  Munro  live  again  in  Mr.  Henty 's  pages,  as  those  deserve  to 
live  whose  disciplined  bands  formed  really  the  germ  of  the  modern 
British  army." — Athanaram. 

The  Dragon  and  the  Eaven ;    or,   The   Days  of   King 

Alfred.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  G.  J.  Staniland.    12mo, 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  Si. 00. 

In  this  story  the  author  gives  an  account  of  the  fierce  struggle  be- 
tween Saxon  and  Dane  for  supremacy  in  England,  and  presents  a  vivid 
picture  of  the  misery  and  ruin  to  which  the  country  was  reduced  by  the 
ravages  of  the  sea-wolves.  The  story  is  treated  in  a  manner  most  at- 
tractive  to  the   boyish   reader." — Athenasum. 

The  Young  Carthaginian:     A  Story  of  the  Times  of 

Hannibal.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  C.  J.  Staniland.  12mo, 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Well  constructed  and  vividly  told.  From  first  to  last  nothing  stays 
the  interest  of  the  narrative.  It  bears  us  along  as  on  a  stream  whose 
current  varies  in  direction,   but  never  loses  its  force." — Saturday  Review. 

In  Freedom's  Cause:     A  Story  of  Wallace  and  Bruce. 

By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.    12mo,  cloth, 

olivine  edges,  price  Si. 00. 

"It  is  written  in  the  author's  best  style.  Full  of  the  wildest  and  most 
remarkable  achievements,  it  is  a  tale  of  great  interest,  which  a  bov.  once 
he  has  begun  it,   will  not  willingly  put  one  side." — Th9  School  master. 

With  Wolfe  in  Canada;  or,  The  Winning  of  a  Con- 
tinent. By  G.  A.  Henty.  With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne.  12mo, 
cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"A  model  of  what  a  boys'  story-book  should  be.  Mr.  Henty  has  a 
great  power  of  infusing  into  the  dead  facts  of  history  new  life,  and  as 
no  pains  are  spared  by  him  to  ensure  accuracy  in  historic  details,  his 
books  supply  useful  aids  to  study  as  well  as  amusement." — School  Guard- 
ian. 

True  to  the  Old  Flag :     A  Tale  of  the  American  War  of 

Independence.    By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  Gordon  Browne. 

12mo,  cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 

"Does  justice  to  the  pluck  and  determination  of  the  British  solidera 
during  the  unfortunate  struggle  against  American  emancipation.  The  son 
of  an  American  loyalist,  who  remains  true  to  our  flag,  falls  among  the 
hostile  red-skins  in  that  very  Huron  country  which  has  been  endeared 
to   us   by   the   exploits  of   Hawkeye   and   Chingachgook." — The   Times. 

A  Final  Reckoning:     A    Tale  of  Bush    Life  in  Aus- 
tralia.   By  G.  A.  Henty.    With  illustrations  by  W.  B.  Wollen.    12mo, 
cloth,  olivine  edges,  price  $1.00. 
"All  boys  will  read  this  story  with  eager  and  unflagging  interest.     The 

episodes  are   in   Mr.    Henty 's  very   best   vein — graphic,    exciting,   realistic; 

and,  as  in  all  Mr.  Henty's  books,  the  tendency  is  to  the  formation  of  an 

honorable,    manly,    and    even    heroic    character." — Birmingham    Po3t. 


For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT,  52-58  Duane  Street,  New  York, 


